Brain Development Flashcards
When does the CNS begin to develop?
When the embryo is about 2 weeks.
What happens to the dorsal surface in early development?
It thickens to form a neural tube that is surrounded by a fluid filled cavity.
What happens to the neural tube as it develops?
The forward end enlarges and becomes the hindbrain, midbrain and forebrain.
The remainder of the neural tube becomes the spinal cord.
How much does the brain weigh at birth?
Approx. 350g
What is proliferation?
Cells in the ventricles dividing
What is migration?
Dividing cells move to the part of the brain where it will perform its function
What is differentiation?
Cells are affected by surrounding environment and other cells. They adapt to the new area.
What is myelination?
The addition of a insulating sheath which speeds up transmission
Synaptogenesis?
The formation of new synapses
What is Apoptosis?
Large scale programmed cell death
When does proliferation occur?
4 weeks post conception
When does migration occur?
6 weeks post conception
When does differentiation occur?
7-8 weeks post conception
When does synaptogenesis, myelination and apoptosis occur?
After 8 weeks and after birth
What is Neural Darwinism?
The process of survival that requires formation of synapses to receive nerve growth factor and stimulation that releases NT
