Teratogenic Brain Development

Unlike the last articles, this article discusses in depth the effects prenatal alcohol exposure has on the brain and how it affects brain development (Thomas, J. D., Sather, T. M., & Whinery, L. A., 2008). Since most teratogenic studies would not meet the code of ethics when done on humans, most of the time they are studied in rats or other mammals. This studied specifically focused on the third trimester, when the hippocampus is more susceptible to harm (Thomas et al., 2008). These rats were divided into groups, some were given alcohol for about three weeks, then half of them were placed in cages with a running wheel and the other half without (Thomas et al., 2008). The researchers in this study hypothesized that exercise would lessen the effects that alcohol can have on spatial learning and cognitive function (Thomas et al., 2008).

DISCUSSION

Alcohol exposure can cause central nervous system damage, deformities, and developmental delays (Thomas et al., 2008).

I was really surprised to learn that boys are more susceptible to the damaging effects of cocaine. I had no idea that there would be differences between boys and girls when it came to teratogens. It is also comforting to know that environmental factors and influences can have such a positive effect on cognitive function. This article was much more scientific than the others, as it talked quite a bit about the anatomy of the brain and used a more biological approach when talking about the effects that cocaine has on it. I was able to apply some of the stuff I learned from class like risk factors, neurotransmitters, and the hippocampus. We talk a great deal about how important proper brain development is, and these articles have really helped me understand exactly how important it is to be properly informed. I would be really interested to see how these children performed on the test when they are even older, as brain development continues well into the