Development Flashcards
NEURAL PLATE
A small patch of ectodermal tissue on the dorsal surface of the vertebrate embryo, from which the neural groove, the neural tube, and, ultimately, the mature nervous system develop.
NEURAL TUBE
The tube that is formed in the vertebrate embryo when the edges of the neural groove fuse and that develops into the central nervous system.
TOTIPOTENT
Capable of developing into any type of mature body cell.
MULTIPOTENT
Capable of developing into a limited number of types of mature body cell.
NEURAL PROLIFERATION
The rapid increase in the number of neurons that follows the formation of the neural tube.
MIGRATION
The movement of cells from their site of creation in the ventricular zone of the neural tube to their ultimate location in the mature nervous system.
GROWTH CONE
Amoebalike structure at the tip of each growing axon or dendrite that guides growth to the appropriate target.
SYNAPTOGENESIS
The formation of new synapses.
NECROSIS
Passive cell death, which is characterized by inflammation.
APOPTOSIS
Cell death that is actively induced by genetic programs; programmed cell death.
CRITICAL PERIOD
A period during development in which a particular experience must occur for it to influence the course of subsequent development.
SENSITIVE PERIOD
The period during the development of a particular trait, usually early in life, when a particular experience is likely to change the course of that development.
NEUROGENESIS
The growth of new neurons.
