Introduction to Neurodevelopment

Neurodevelopment

The growth, differentiation, and organisation of the nervous system from conception to adulthood.

Neurogenesis

The birth and formation of new neurons.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of connections (synapses) between neurons.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around neurons to improve communication speed.

Plasticity

The brain’s ability to change and adapt based on experiences.

Neural Tube

A structure that forms early in development and later becomes the brain and spinal cord.

Gastrulation

The formation of three germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm) that give rise to different body systems.

Neurulation

The process in which the neural plate folds to form the neural tube.

Spina Bifida

A condition where the spinal cord does not close properly, leading to paralysis and limb deformities.

Anencephaly

A severe neural tube defect where the brain fails to develop properly, usually resulting in stillbirth.

Synaptic Pruning

The process of eliminating unused neural connections to improve brain efficiency.

Apoptosis

Programmed cell death that removes unnecessary neurons during development.

Radial Glial Cells

Cells that guide migrating neurons to their correct locations.

Experience-Expectant Plasticity

Brain development that depends on expected experiences (e.g., light exposure for vision).

Experience-Dependent Plasticity

Brain changes based on unique individual experiences (e.g., learning an instrument).

Critical Period

A specific time window when the brain is especially sensitive to certain experiences.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

A neurodevelopmental disorder linked to excess synapses due to reduced synaptic pruning.

Schizophrenia

A disorder associated with abnormal synaptic pruning, dopamine dysfunction, and genetic factors.

ADHD

A disorder involving delayed prefrontal cortex maturation and dopamine regulation differences.

Prefrontal Cortex

The brain region responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and attention, maturing fully by ~25 years old.