CH 4-7

What are the six stages of cellular processes needed for brain development?

1. Neurogenesis 2. Cell migration 3. Cell differentiation 4. Synaptogenesis 5. Neuronal cell death 6. Synapse rearrangement.

What is neurogenesis?

The process of mitotic division of nonneuronal cells to produce neurons.

Define synaptogenesis.

The establishment of synaptic connections as axons and dendrites grow.

What is the role of neurotrophic factors in brain development?

They are chemicals that promote neuronal survival and growth, influencing which neurons survive and develop connections.

What is the significance of generating new neurons in adulthood?

It aids learning and memory, primarily occurring in the hippocampus.

What is apoptosis in the context of brain development?

Naturally occurring cell death that eliminates excess neurons during development.

What type of developmental process occurs during synapse rearrangement?

The loss and refinement of synapses to improve the efficiency of neuronal connections.

What is the ectoderm?

The outermost embryonic layer that develops into the nervous system.

What is the primary purpose of the neural crest during brain development?

To migrate and form the peripheral nervous system.

How does the developing nervous system typically arrange its structure?

In a highly organized manner, forming distinct layers and regions for specific functions.

What is adult neurogenesis?

The generation of new neurons in adulthood, mainly taking place in the hippocampus.

What environmental factors enhance neurogenesis?

Exercise, environmental enrichment, and training.

Explain the importance of the process of neuronal cell death.

It shapes the developing brain by removing excess neurons and refining neural networks.

What are the consequences of visual deprivation during critical periods in development?

It can lead to permanent deficits in visual abilities, such as amblyopia.

What is amblyopia?

A condition where vision in one eye is decreased because the eye and brain are not working together properly.

What impact does experience have on the developing brain?

Experiences shape brain development, influencing neural connections and pathways.

What allows the brain to adapt to new learning experiences throughout life?

Neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

What is the role of the primary somatosensory cortex?

To process tactile information and maintain a topographic representation of the body.

How do sensory systems manage to avoid overload from incoming stimuli?

Through selective processing and adaptation to ongoing stimuli.

What is the primary function of the vestibular system?

To maintain balance and spatial orientation by detecting head movements.

Explain the concept of labeled lines in sensory systems.

Specific neurons are dedicated to transmitting information from specific sensory modalities.

Describe the role of the cochlea in the auditory system.

It converts sound vibrations into neural signals through hair cells.

What are the mechanisms through which sweet and bitter tastes are transduced?

Sweetness is detected through specific G-protein coupled receptors, while bitterness is detected via a different set of G-protein coupled receptors.

What pathways do olfactory signals follow after being received by the nose?

Olfactory signals travel directly from the olfactory bulb to various areas of the brain, bypassing the thalamus.

What is the distinctive feature of the structure of hair cells in the cochlea?

They possess stereocilia that bend in response to fluid movements to trigger neural signals.

What is the importance of the fovea in visual acuity?

The fovea contains a high density of cones, allowing for sharp and detailed vision.

Describe the symptoms of optic ataxia.

Difficulties with visually guided movements despite intact visual perception.

What types of cells are primarily involved in the conversion of sound waves to neural signals?

Hair cells in the cochlea.

What is the impact of loud noises on hearing?

Prolonged exposure can lead to sensorineural hearing loss and damage to hair cells.

Explain the phenomenon of blindsight.

The ability of individuals with visual cortex damage to respond to visual stimuli without conscious awareness.

What is meant by central deafness?

Hearing loss resulting from damage to auditory processing areas in the brain.

How do we perceive pitch?

Through both place coding (where on the cochlea the activation occurs) and temporal coding (the rate of firing of auditory neurons).

What factors contribute to color vision deficiencies in humans?

Genetic mutations affecting the function of cone pigments, predominantly on the X chromosome.

What is the function of the vomeronasal system in mammals?

To detect pheromones which play a role in social and reproductive behaviors.

Describe how the auditory cortex processes complex sounds.

It analyzes and interrelates multiple auditory signals, integrating them with emotional responses and memories.

What is the primary visual cortex known for?

Processing basic visual information received from the retina before sending it to other visual areas for further analysis.

What is the significance of experiencing distinct sensory inputs concurrently on the brain's processing of those inputs?

It enhances the learning and adaptation of sensory systems, allowing for better recognition and contextual understanding.