brain development Flashcards
embryonic disk
The layers of a developing human embryo
Brain divisions that develop from the neural
tube
Forebrain
* Cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus
Midbrain
* Tectum, tegmentum, periaqueductal gray
Hindbrain
* Cerebellum, pons, medulla
Interior of neural tube
Ventricles, central canal of spinal cord
how do you make new neurons?
Neurogenesis
Cell migration
Cell differentiation
Neurogenesis
The production of new neurons through mitosis
Cell migration
Movement of nerve cells or their precursors to establish distinct brain regions
Cell differentiation
Cells develop into distinctive
types of neurons or glial cells
Synaptogenesis
The creation of new
synaptic connections
Stem cells
Undifferentiated cells found in embryonic tissues
Neuronal cell death
The selective death of nerve cells
* Begins before birth
* Apoptosis
What keeps neurons alive?
Synaptic connections & Neurotrophic factors: feeds neurons and helps them survive.
Synaptic rearrangement
The loss and refinement of
synaptic connections throughout life
Why are synapses pruned?
too many connections is associated with intellectual disability
Too many connections clogs the system up.
Sensitive Period
Period during development in which an organism is especially susceptible to treatments or experiences
what can binocular deprivation can lead to
permanent visual system changes
Experience-expectant development
The brain is wired to expect certain experiences (like seeing, hearing, or touch) at specific times for normal development.
Experience-dependent development
The brain forms unique connections based on individual experiences, leading to differences in learning and skills.
Genotype
all of a person’s genetic material
Phenotype
the observable characteristics
Epigenetics
the study of how genes can be turned on or off without changing the actual DNA sequence
Methylation
chemical modification to DNA that does not affect the nucleotide sequence of a gene but makes it less likely to be expressed
Fluid Abilities
basic processing abilities, such as working memory, processing speed, and discovering patterns and making inferences
Crystallized Abilities
accumulated knowledge acquired through experiences and learning
Dementia
progressive deterioration in mental abilities due to changes in the brain that influence higher cortical functions
what does dementia affect?
thinking, memory, comprehension, emotional control, impaired behavior, ability to engage in every day activities
Alzheimer’s Disease
Neurodegenerative disorder that progresses from general decline to including personality and behavioral changes, motor complications, and eventually death
can last from 1-10 years
Amyloid plaques
appear in cortex, hippocampus, limbic system
* Build up of substance Beta Amyloid
do people with Alzheimer’s lose neurons?
yes, they gradually lose many neurons in the basal forebrain, which makes acetylcholine
what are some risk factors?
Gender
* Women are at greater risk than men.
Age
Genetics
Same factors that contribute to cardiovascular risk
Neurofibrillary tangles
abnormal whorls of neurofilaments that form a tangled array inside the cell
what are protective factors?
education & exercise
Education
The process of learning promotes neural activity and increases connections among neurons, thickening the cortex and boosting cognitive reserve
exercise
Increased hippocampal area of brain
Better cognitive functioning overall
endoderm
inner layer of the embryonic disk.
Makes up the digestive & respiratory systems.
mesoderm
Middle layer of the embryonic disk.
Makes up the muscles, skeleton, & circulatory system.
ectoderm
The outer layer of the embryonic disk.
Makes up the sensory & nervous systems
The neural tube to the beginning of the Central Nervous System.
