Brain Development Flashcards
What is a neuron composed of ?
-cell body with a nucleus, and has a fibre called an AXON WHICH CONNECTS IT TO OTHER CELLS
What does the axon do ?
- carries electrical signals to another area of the brain
- also carry messages from brain to muscles
What is at the end of an axon and what does it release ?
-AXON TERMINAL, releases neurotransmitters
What is a neurotransmitter?
-picked up by other neurones which can cause them to react and send our their own electrical signals
When does the human brain start to develop ?
- around the THIRD WEEK after being conceived
- early in EMBRYONIC STAGE
What are stem cells ?
-can transform into any type of cell
DURING DEVELOPMENT, ITS CELLS ARE STEM CELLS
When do true neurones form and all the main structures of CNS take place ?
- TRUE NEURONES- DAY 42
- MAIN STRUCTURES OF CNS- DAY 56
What is the function of a brain stem ?
-autonomic functions such as breathing and heartbeat
What is the function of a thalamus ?
-completes some basic SENSORY processing and relays signals to CEREBRAL CORTEX
What is the function of a cerebral cortex ?
-cognition- thinking, perception and most memory processes
What is the function of a cerebellum ?
-motor movement
