CTC Neurobiology of Trauma & Brain Development Flashcards

Which brain region is primarily responsible for processing fear responses and is often hyperactivated in traumatized children?

Answer: Amygdala

The amygdala detects threat and triggers the fear response, and chronic trauma can leave it in a state of heightened activation.

The term 'window of tolerance' in trauma neuroscience refers to:

Answer: The optimal zone of arousal in which a child can process experiences effectively

The window of tolerance describes the arousal zone where the nervous system can function adaptively without becoming hyper- or hypo-aroused.

Which stress hormone, when chronically elevated in traumatized children, can suppress immune function and impair hippocampal memory consolidation?

Answer: Cortisol

Chronically elevated cortisol from toxic stress damages hippocampal neurons and dysregulates immune responses in children.

Polyvagal theory, developed by Stephen Porges, emphasizes the role of the __________ in social engagement and trauma response.

Answer: Parasympathetic vagal pathways

Polyvagal theory highlights how the ventral vagal complex supports social engagement, while dorsal vagal shutdown underlies freeze/dissociation responses.

Neuroplasticity in the context of childhood trauma treatment most importantly means:

Answer: The brain retains the capacity to form new neural pathways through therapeutic experiences

Neuroplasticity means the brain can reorganize and build new connections throughout development, giving trauma-informed interventions biological efficacy.

In traumatized children, the prefrontal cortex is often described as 'going offline' because:

Answer: High stress hormones temporarily impair its regulatory and reasoning functions

Acute and chronic stress suppress prefrontal cortex activity, reducing a child's capacity for impulse control, reasoning, and emotional regulation.