Lecture 2 - BS3580

These flashcards cover key concepts from the lecture on cortical development and axon migration, including neurogenesis, neuronal migration, synaptogenesis, and growth cone dynamics.

What is corticogenesis?

The cellular process of brain development involving the formation and migration of neurons.

What is the primary function of the cerebral cortex?

Involved in processing and cognition, including motor areas, sensory areas, and emotional behavior.

What are radial glial cells?

Cells in the ventricular zone that remain attached to both apical and basal surfaces and guide migrating neurons.

What term describes the process of neuron formation in the brain during development?

Neurogenesis.

How do axonal growth cones navigate to their target cells?

By responding to guidance cues in their environment, using filopodia to search for attractive signals.

What is synaptogenesis?

The formation of synapses between neurons.

What happens to neurons that do not receive neurotrophic factors?

They undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death).

Describe the 'inside-out' pattern of corticogenesis.

Neurons born in the deeper layers of the cortex migrate to form more superficial (outer) layers.

What are the two mechanisms of cell movement in corticogenesis?

Somal translocation and radial-glia directed locomotion.

What cell types does the neuroepithelium generate during brain development?

Neurons, glial cells, and other neural stem cells.

What are the stages of brain development as listed in the lecture?

1. Cell birth, 2. Cell migration, 3. Cell differentiation, 4. Cell maturation, 5. Synaptogenesis, 6. Cell death and pruning, 7. Myelogenesis.

What role do neurotrophic factors play in neuronal survival?

They support neuron survival; without them, neurons may die through apoptosis.

What visualizes the dynamic changes in brain structure as it develops?

The different gestational age stages, highlighting the morphology of the brain.

What is the role of diffusible chemotropic cues in neuronal migration?

They guide migrating neurons by attracting or repelling them.

Describe the role of growth cones in axonal growth.

Growth cones extend processes to navigate and find the correct path for axon extension.