Certificate In Psychology (CPSY) Practice Exam

At birth, which area of the central nervous system is the least mature?

1. Brain stem

2. Spinal cord

3. Cerebral cortex

4. Cerebellum

The correct answer is: Cerebral cortex

At birth, the cerebral cortex is the least mature part of the central nervous system. The cerebral cortex is responsible for higher-order functions such as thinking, perception, and motor control, and it continues to develop significantly after birth. At this stage, the brain stem and spinal cord are more developed and capable of regulating basic life functions such as breathing and heart rate, as well as relaying sensory and motor signals. The cerebellum, which coordinates voluntary movements and balance, also shows a higher level of maturity at birth compared to the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex undergoes extensive growth and reorganization during the first few years of life, with a large number of neurons and synapses forming. This period is crucial for cognitive development, as experiences and environmental interactions significantly shape the development of the cerebral cortex. Understanding this maturation process helps underscore the importance of early experiences and interventions, as they can strongly influence the cognitive and emotional development of a child.