Development of the Nervous system

Question 1

when does the brain start developing

Answer 1

in the 3rd week post conception

Question 2

what do genes determine in the brain

Answer 2

sequence and evolution during neuronal proliferation, migration and reorganisation

development of dendtritic and axonal interconnections

the development of synapses, receptors, and neurotransmitters

Question 3

when is the embryonic period

Answer 3

conception to week 9

Question 4

when is the fetal period

Answer 4

week 9 to 40/42

Question 5

what is gastrulation

Answer 5

process that results in the development of a three layered embryo

Question 6

what does the ectoderm form

Answer 6

skin nails and neural tissue

Question 7

what does the mesoderm form

Answer 7

muscle, bone, cartilage, vascular system

Question 8

what does the endoderm form

Answer 8

gut and respiratory system

Question 9

when does neural tube form

Answer 9

day 20-27

Question 10

what does the hollow centre of the neural tube become

Answer 10

ventricular system and central channel of the spinal chord

Question 11

what becomes the brain

Answer 11

the anterior/rostral tube

Question 12

what becomes the spinal chord

Answer 12

the caudal tube

Question 13

what is the importance of neural patterning

Answer 13

creates distinct functional areas in the brain

Question 14

when does brain develop its folded appearace

Answer 14

fetal pariod (week 9 to term)

Question 15

why are the development of gyri and sulci needed

Answer 15

to accommodate the proliferating neuronal populations

Question 16

what cells can continue to divide within the brain in the fetal period

Answer 16

the progenitor cells (cells divide to make a progenitor cell and a neuron)

Question 17

how do neurones migrate

Answer 17

somal translocation with radial glial guides

Question 18

what happens when neurones reach their target cortical regions

Answer 18

develop processes which allow them to communicate and transmit information

Question 19

what do axons do

Answer 19

transmit signals from neurones

Question 20

what do dendrites do

Answer 20

gather info and transmit to neurones

Question 21

how many neurones will die and how many connections will be eliminated in normal brain development

Answer 21

50%

Question 22

what happens postnataly in brain development

Answer 22

proliferation and migration

myelination

Question 23

describe myelination

Answer 23

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) develop processes which wrap around axons= myelin sheaths

Question 24

what is the role of myelin sheaths

Answer 24

increase axonal conduction rates dramatically, maintain axonal integrity, survival, neuronal size and axonal diameter

Question 25

when does most of myelination occur

Answer 25

in first 2 years of life

Question 26

what is the importance of experience in brain development

Answer 26

Early experience of the postnatal brain is essential for the emergence of normal neocortical patterns

When input is lacking brain areas develop differently
Specific patterns of development reflect the kinds of input the infant and child received

Question 27

what develops in the brain in adolescence

Answer 27

Establish nurturing and intimate relationships
Development of identity
Future perspectives
Independence
Self- confidence
Self control
Social skills

Question 28

what happens to the brain in adolescence

Answer 28

many synapses eliminated
increased in white matter volume
changes in neurotransmitter system
anatomical reorganisation - associated with profound emotional and cognitive change

Question 29

how does maturation occur in the brain

Answer 29

with synaptic pruning, is experientially determined

back to front (sensorimotor - frontal and prefrontal brain structures)

Question 30

what do the frontal and pre-frontal cortex do

Answer 30

congitive functions, behavioural control, planning, assessing risk of decisions

Question 31

what hormones affect the teenage brain and how

Answer 31

pubertal hormones (gonadal) affect the brains re structuring - permanent reorganisation

Estrogens may make girls more prone to stress
Androgens supposed to make boys more resilient to stress.

Question 32

how does monocular vision in early post natal life affect brain development

Answer 32

alter patterns of organisation within the primary visual cortex

inputs from the active eye invade and subsume territory in the PVC normally occupied by the blocked eye

Question 33

name two defects where formation of the neural tube is disrupted

Answer 33

anecephaly and spina bifida

Question 34

how does malnutrition affect brain growth

Answer 34

impact myelination, decreases growth and volume