Brain Development Flashcards
What are the three parts composing a brain?
cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem
Different _____ of the brain serve different functions.
Different LOBES of the brain serve different functions.
What is the neocortex?
A huge sheet built from six distinct layers of neurons folded in the brain many times.
How are neurons organized?
In layers and columns
What do neurons do?
They communicate by sending chemical signals via neurotransmitters.
What are the 6 stages of nervous system development?
- cell production (proliferation)
- cell migration
- cell differentiation
- synapse formation
- cell death/apoptosis
- synapse rearrangement
Which stages of nervous system development make up neurogenesis?
cell production, migration and differentiation
Which stage of nervous system development makes up synaptogenesis?
synapse formation
Which stages of nervous system development make up synaptic pruning?
cell death/apoptosis and synapse rearrangement
What does cell proliferation do?
Cell proliferation increases the number of cells
What are the three ways that cells end up in the right place?
spatial layering, chemical signals , and riding the “glial rail”
What are the two methods of spatial layering?
- New cells push out old cells (old on top of new)
- New cells migrate to the outside (new on top of old)
What are synapses? How do they occur
Connections between neurons; Cells elongate at their axons to form connections with other cells
A ____ numbers of synapses are formed in the first two years of life.
A LARGE numbers of synapses are formed in the first two years of life.
Why is there cell overgeneration and pruning?
Not all cells receive nutrients or are active – those that aren’t may die.
