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brain growth

the increase in size, mass, and complexity of the brain. In humans, the brain grows very rapidly in the fetus and during the early postnatal years, reaching its maximum mass at about 20 years, after which there is a slow decline. Some regions of the brain grow more rapidly than others, well into the teenage years.

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Psychology term of the day

November 23rd 2024

risk factor

risk factor

a clearly defined behavior or constitutional (e.g., genetic), psychological, environmental, or other characteristic that is associated with an increased possibility or likelihood that a disease or disorder will subsequently develop in an individual. Compare protective factor.