What the Brain Reveals

Acting before thinking something through happens more often in __________ than in adults.

Decisions stem from a series of events in the __________, which happen almost instantaneously.

Specialized cells called __________ talk with each other by way of electrochemical impulses and chemical messengers called __________.

• neurons

• neurotransmitters

• axons

• dendrites

Since the limbic system matures earlier than the __________, it is more likely to gain an upper hand in decision making. This imbalance helps to explain a teen's inclination to rush decisions.

Inside the brain, information travels through a network of neurons, which have thread-like fibers called __________ and branch-like structures called __________.

• axons

• dendrites

• neurotransmitters

• neurons

A __________ is the small space between an axon and a dendrite where information is exchanged.

The brain reaches its maximum size between ages 5 and 7.

• True

• False

Brain development continues through a person's early twenties.

• True

• False

Teens have the potential, through their choices and the behaviors they engage in, to shape their own brain development.

• True

• False

The limbic system, a part of the brain that matures earlier than the prefrontal cortex, plays a central role in:

• sports.

• speaking foreign languages.

• emotional responses.

• thinking ahead.