M1: Development Flashcards
Ectoderm
in the new embryo, the outermost layer of cells - becomes the nervous system and skin
Neural Plate
In the growing (wormlike) embryo, the surface along the back that thickens and hardens
Neural Folds
a pair of ridges all along the above that begin to curl towards each other
Neural Tube
The long hollow chamber that is formed when the above meet and fuse; inner surface becomes the CNS
Neural Crest
outer surface of the above ridges that separate off and become the PNS
Spina Bifida
a pathological condition involving a failure of the edges above to completely fuse, leading to birth defects or death
Ventricular Zone
hollow core of developing embryo, source of cells of nervous system
Stem Cells
the original type of cells in this area that undergo division to populate the nervous system
Proliferation
general term for the production of new cells
Symmetrical Division
cell division that produces two identical offspring vs produces one identical and one new (neuron or glial) cell
Migration
the movement of cells from their place of origin to their later position
Radial Glia
An early type of glial cells that extends its processes out like wheel spokes for the developing neurons to move along
Synaptogenesis
the process by which neurons form new connections
Growth Cone (fillopodia)
the specialized tip of a growing axon that detects the chemicals that guide its path
Guidepost Cells
Glia cells that are positioned to direct growing axons towards their target cells
Neurotrophins
chemicals that attract/repel axon growth, help prevent cell death, and/or promote axonal branching
Nerve Growth Factor
one type of the above, from muscles & organs, that promotes survival and growth of axons in the brain and sympathetic NS
Apotosis
cell death as determined by “suicide genes” that cause developing neurons to package their contents & destroy themselves
Collateral Sprouts
newly formed axonal branches that replaces another (that has died off) at a synapse
Dendrite Spines/Branching
new outgrowths on, or subdividing of, the processes that receive NT, in response to an enriched environment, learning, etc
A mnemonic for the rule that co-activated cells tend to be strengthened in their connectivity and out-compete neighboring cells
“Cells that fire together wire together”
