Task 2 Flashcards
List the three stages of prenatal brain development
- Geminal
- Embryonic
- Fetal
When does the geminal period occur?
2 weeks after fertilization of egg and sperm
When does the embryonic period occur?
2nd to 8 weeks gestation
What is the embryonic period?
Division of cells and differentiation to form different organs
What is proliferation?
Production of nerve cells
What happens in the migration stage of cellular development?
Cells formed from progenitor cells in the neural tube move to their location and some migrate to radial glia cells.
What is myelinization?
Insulation of cells by fatty tissues
What is sypnaptogenesis?
Formation of synapses to allow communication with other neurons
What is the last stage of cellular development in the brain?
Myelinization & Synaptogenesis
Some brain structures are already present & functional by 11 weeks gestation. What are they?
Superior Collicus
Inferior Colliculus
Cerebellum
Medulla
Cerebral cortex is still developing
Touch is the first sensory modality to develop prenatally. When does it develop?
8 weeks
When does hearing abilities develop prenatally?
22-24 weeks
What can the fetus hear in the uterus?
Low frequencies. The mother’s skin acts as a filter so some sounds cannot be processed (e.g. high frequencies).
Vision is the last sensory modality to develop. When does it develop?
week 26
What are teratogens?
They are toxic substances that affect the fetus’ development upon exposure during the uterus.
Teratogens can cause impairments and organ malformations if it the fetus is exposed to it during the embryonic period. Why is that?
Because the embryonic period is when cells differentiate to form different organs.
Provide examples of teratogens
Alcohol, drugs, stress,
What are some physical symptoms of Fetal Alchohol Syndrome?
Small head
Abnormal facial appearance
Small height
Diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome consists of 3 categories. List them.
- Growth Deficiencies (small head & height)
- CNS Disorders (microencephaly)
- Distinctive abnormal facial features