Available online
Description
The programme is part of a Course Unit dealing with the development of brain and behaviour. Areas covered include: a) embryonic development of the neural groove b) growth and development of nerve a...nd glial cells in the brain of a human infant c) development of reflexes in the newborn baby d) the phenomenon of imprinting e) Professor Harlow's study of maternal deprivation in monkeys.
The programme is part of a Course Unit dealing with the development of brain and behaviour. Areas covered include: a) embryonic development of the neural groove b) growth and development of nerve a...nd glial cells in the brain of a human infant c) development of reflexes in the newborn baby d) the phenomenon of imprinting e) Professor Harlow's study of maternal deprivation in monkeys.
| Module code and title: | SDT286, Biological bases of behaviour |
|---|---|
| Item code: | SDT286; 11 |
| First transmission date: | 10-06-1972 |
| Published: | 1972 |
| Rights Statement: | |
| Restrictions on use: | |
| Duration: | 00:24:07 |
| + Show more... | |
| Producer: | John Groom |
| Contributor: | Geoff Einon |
| Publisher: | BBC Open University |
| Keyword(s): | Brain development; Imprinting; Infant reflexes; Maternal deprivation; Nerve and glial cells; Neural groove |
| Footage description: | Geoff Einon introduces the programme. It will deal with 1. Imprinting, 2. Early attachments, 3. No genetic transgenerational effects on behaviour. Einon introduces a film sequence showing the early development of an amphibian embryo. Film sequence shows the development of an amphibian embryo from a single cell to a recognisable animal. Commentary by Einon points out the anatomical features. Einon discusses the development of the human brain for the first few years after birth. Several shots of sections of the cortex showing neurons from 1 month after birth to 2 years after birth. Einon introduces a sequence on reflexes. Film sequence shows standard tests for reflexes given to a newborn baby. Einon discusses the functions of these reflexes. Still shot of a baby chimp clinging to its mother illustrate a possible function of the grasping reflex in humans. Film sequence shows the grasping reflex of a newborn human baby, the grasping movement of a two year old and the lack of reflex and co-ordinated movements of a 3 months old baby. Shot of a graph illustrating the transition from reflex action to co-ordinated movement in human babies. Einon discusses the graph and relates it to the state of physical development of the infant. He begins a discussion of reflex development in the foetus. Film shots of a human foetus at just over 2 months of age being stimulated with a hair. Reflex response is seen. Einon introduces sequence showing reflex action in a prematurely born infant. Film sequence shows a prematurely born infant (28 weeks old). Reflex action is very weak or non-existent. Einon introduces a discussion on imprinting and a film about the work of Lorenz. Film sequence showing Conrad Lorenz and his work on imprinting of geese. Shots of imprinting experiments using chicks. The young birds are imprinted with a variety of things such as water cans and flashing lights. Graph shows the effect of the imprinting stimulus at various times after birth. More shots of chicks in imprinting experiments. Shots of imprinting experiments with a cereopsis goose and trumpet swan cygnets. Einon begins a discussion of the function of mother/infant attachment among animals. Film shots of mother/infant attachment in rhesus monkeys. The film and Einon's commentary examine Harlow's work on the mother attachment process. Einon points out the evidence for non genetic trans generational transmission of behavioural traits as seen in the Harlow film above. |
| Master spool number: | 6HT/70551 |
| Production number: | 00522_3104 |
| Videofinder number: | 676 |
| Available to public: | no |
