Adolescent Brain Development

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1. How is brain development related to adolescent impulsivity?
During adolescent development, the brain processes information differently compared to the way that an adult brain processes information. Since a neural structure is not yet in place due to the prefrontal and frontal cortex still being in the process of development, the adolescent brain will rely on the amygdala (i.e. the section of the brain responsible for decision making and reactions) to process their emotions. This is different from the way that adults rely on the frontal or prefrontal cortex (i.e. the section of the brain responsible for reasoning and planning) to process their emotions. In other words, since the prefrontal cortex is still developing during the adolescent …show more content…
This process is known as sexual selection. With that, it has been interpreted that males have evolved based on what females are appealed to and that females have evolved based on what males are appealed to. Males, who tend to look for more opportunities involving casual sexual relationships with multiple partners than females do, will use one of two strategies in order to spread their genes: committing to one female and raise a baby or babies with her, or mate with multiple females in hopes of them being able to raise the baby or babies on their own. The theory behind this behavior is that males who previously spread their genes through that behavior have passed on those same genes to males in this day in age, promoting that type of behavior. Females may have an advantage of multiple mates as well. If a female is committed to one partner who is infertile, mating with another male may be her only way of reproducing. Additionally, another sexual partner may be able to help o care for her and her offspring. As far as what a male looks for in a mate compared to what a female looks for in a mate, there are additional interests that are sought after aside from a mate being healthy or physically attractive. Females tend to select males that are strong …show more content…
Organizing effects of sex hormones are when a relatively long-lasting change is produced by hormones during the critical stages of structural and functional development. With that, the organizing effects of sex hormones begin rather early in development following conception, regulating whether the embryo develops into a male or female, and continuing well into puberty. The activating effects of sex hormones, on the other hand, are more immediate or temporary in nature depending on the presence and absence of the hormone. Occurring any time in life, not just during the critical stages, activating effects are exerted through levels of testosterone by males and estradiol by females. The modified behaviors during the activating effects are temporary, only lasting as long as the hormone is present. Some specific examples of activating effects on sex hormones can include the menstrual cycle of a female and the sexual excitement of a male. During the menstrual cycle of a female, there is an episodic variation of hormones and fertility that cycle throughout every twenty-eight days. Following the completion of the menstrual cycle, a follicle-stimulating hormone is released in order to promote the growth of a follicle located in the ovary, eventually producing estradiol. Over time, the hormone is released and the remaining portion will then release progesterone. In combination with
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