Question

Briefly describe the physical development of the brain during Adolescence. Which areas are most significantly impacted and how does their development influence what could be considered “typical” Adolescent behavior?

Answer 1

During the adolecence, the important part of the brain which develops in teenagers is the frontal lobe area. More specifically the prefrontal cortex. The prefrontal cortex is the executive centre of the brain which controls the most important fuctions. These functions include complex thinking, planning decision making, impulse control and logical thinking. Duing the adolecense period, this structure is not developed, and it continues to develop untill the mid twenties. Another structure which is involved during this time is the amydala, the amygdala is more active during this time ,and it is responsible for emotional responses.This is the reason the teenage behaviour can be very different from the adult behaviour. The teenagers can often act of impulse, engage in violent behavior, act without thinking and get into reckless behavior. Thy are also likely to be more emotional and lack the ability to think in a logical and rational way like an adult.