Development

Question 1

Describe the main stages (neurogenesis, migration etc.) of neural development at the cellular level, including their (rough) timing (i.e. order of events and if they happen before or after birth or both).

Answer 1

1. Neurogenesis
2. Migration
3. Differentiation
4. Synaptogenesis
5. Cell Death & Reorganization
6. Myelination

Question 2

Describe (the major) changes in synaptic connectivity, grey matter and myelination during pre- and postnatal development.

Answer 2

• Plasticity highest at 2 years
• Synaptic pruning until 6 years

Question 3

Describe the approximate timing of the development of subcortical areas, occipital, temporal, parietal and frontal lobes.

Answer 3

• Sensorimotor and visual cortex first
• Then temporal and parietal cortex
  
  • Language, Audition
  • Spatial attention
• Last are prefrontal and lateral temporal
  
  • Integration of sensorimotor processes
  • Modulation of attention and language
  • Decision-making, knowing consequences of actions
  • Coincides with behavioural studies on children

Question 4

Relate brain maturation to cognitive changes; point out two areas that mature late and two areas that mature early and how this relates to the development of cognitive functions.

Answer 4

• Sensorimotor and occipital are first and most important
• Temporal and parietal for language and spatial attention
• Prefrontal and lateral temporal for higher integration

Question 5

Describe the concept of critical period and Kennard’s principle.

Answer 5

• Critical periods of highest plasticity (2 years)
• Recovery is better the earlier in development an injury or intervention has taken place. Cortical reorganization! Depends on developmental stage + relation with plasticity

Question 6

Explain the concept theory of mind.

Answer 6

theory of mind refers to the capacity to
understand other people by
ascribing mental states to them

Question 7

Describe the problems in studying brain and cognitive development in young children.

Answer 7

• Fuck ethics
• Fuck the system
• Children’s inability to respond properly to
  questions
• Assent and consent

Question 8

Describe the NIRs technique.

Answer 8

• Near infrared-optical imaging technique,
  similar to fMRI
• Light at certain wavelengths can measure
  relative saturation of haemoglobin
• Measures changes in (de)oxygenated
  haemoglobin that reflect the metabolic
  activity of the underlying cortex
• Skull and scalp thin in infants, it is portables,
  cheap and safe, not scary like fMRI