PSY2301 - Topic 10: How Does the Nervous System Develop and Adapt?

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts related to the development and adaptation of the nervous system.

Embryonic Vertebrate Nervous System

The developing nervous system in vertebrate embryos, which begins as a simple neural plate.

Formation of Forebrain/Midbrain/Hindbrain

The forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain are formed during the early stages of embryonic development, typically by the end of the 4th week of gestation.

Neural Plate

The flat group of cells that will develop into the neural tube, the precursor to the central nervous system.

Neural Tube

A hollow structure in the early embryo that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord.

7 Weeks

By 7 weeks, the basic structure of the brain is established, and neurogenesis begins.

14 Weeks

At 14 weeks, the cerebral cortex begins to differentiate, and the major brain regions are more defined.

7 Months

By 7 months, the brain has formed a significant number of neurons and connections are being established.

9 Months

At 9 months, the brain is fully developed for birth, with all major structures in place.

Stem Cells

Undifferentiated cells capable of giving rise to various cell types, including neurons and glial cells.

Neural Stem Cell

A type of stem cell that can differentiate into neurons or glial cells in the nervous system.

Subventricular Zone

A region in the brain where neural stem cells are located, contributing to neurogenesis.

Progenitor Cells

Cells that have the potential to differentiate into neuroblasts or glioblasts.

Neuroblast

An immature neuron that will develop into a mature neuron.

Glioblast

An immature glial cell that will differentiate into various types of glia.

Weiss and Colleagues (1996)

Research highlighting key stages of neural development and the role of neurotrophic factors.

Neurotrophic Factor

A chemical compound that supports the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons.

Epidermal Growth Factor

A growth factor that promotes cell proliferation and has a role in neuronal development.

Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor

A protein that stimulates fibroblast growth and is involved in neurogenesis.

7 Stages of Brain Development

Stages include cell birth, cell migration, cell differentiation, and synaptic development.

Cell Birth

The initial stage of neurogenesis where new neurons are formed.

Cell Migration

The process by which newly formed neurons travel to their designated locations in the brain.

Radial Glial Cell

A type of cell that provides scaffolding for migrating neurons during brain development.

Cell Differentiation

The process by which progenitor cells develop into specialized neuronal or glial cell types.

Neuronal Maturation

Developmental stage where immature neurons grow and form synapses.

Dendritic Growth/Dendritic Arborization

The increase in dendrite complexity and branching that enhances synaptic connections.

Axonal Growth

The elongation of axons to form connections with target cells.

Growth Cone

The dynamic structure at the tip of a growing axon that guides its movement.

Filopodia

Slender, finger-like extensions of growth cones that sense the environment.

Tropic Molecules

Chemical signals that attract or repel growth cones during axonal guidance.

Cell Adhesion Molecules

Proteins that help neurons stick to each other and to their target cells.

Synaptic Development

The process of forming and refining synapses between neurons.

Synaptic Development at the 5th Gestational Month

Heightened synaptogenesis, especially in the frontal cortex.

Synaptic Development at the 7th Gestational Month

Continued refinement of synapses, with increased connections in cortical areas.

Cell Death and Synaptic Pruning

The process where excess neurons and synapses are eliminated to refine neural circuits.

Neural Darwinism

The theory that selective survival of synapses and neurons occurs based on usage.

Apoptosis

The programmed cell death that occurs in neurons that fail to make adequate synaptic connections.

Experience-Dependent Manner

Changes in brain organization and function that occur as a result of experiences.

Myelinogenesis

The development of the myelin sheath around axons, improving neuronal efficiency.

Frontal Lobe Maturation

Developmental processes that enhance executive functions, decision making, and behavior regulation.

Cognitive Development (Piaget, 1952)

Piaget's theory outlining stages of cognitive growth in children.

Four Stages of Cognitive Development

Sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational stages.

Sensorimotor Stage

The first stage where infants learn through direct sensory experiences and motor activities.

Preoperational Stage

The stage where children develop language and begin symbolic thinking but struggle with logic.

Concrete Operational Stage

A stage where children become more logical and organized in thought processes.

Formal Operational Stage

The stage of advanced reasoning and abstract thinking in adolescence.

Neural Growth Spurts

Rapid increases in brain cell growth and connections during specific developmental periods.

Epstein (1979)

Findings regarding early cognitive development and neural growth.

Overman and Colleagues (1992)

Research on learning and memory tasks in relation to neural development.

Concurrent Discrimination Task

A cognitive task used to measure learning and memory in animals and humans.

Nonmatching-to-Sample Task

A memory task used to evaluate recognition and memory ability.

Neuroplasticity

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

Hebb (1947)

Theory that connections between neurons strengthen with repeated activation.

Early Deprivation of Sensory Experiences

Consequences of lacking sensory input during critical developmental periods.

Early Deprivation of Social Experiences

Negative effects on emotional and social development due to lack of interaction.

Spina Bifida

A congenital defect where the spinal column does not close completely.

Anencephaly

A severe congenital condition characterized by partial or complete absence of the brain.

Abnormal Cell Migration/Differentiation

Disruptions in the processes that guide neural cells to their correct locations and types.

Failure of Pruning

A phenomenon where unnecessary neurons and synapses are not eliminated, leading to deficits.

Synesthesia

A condition where stimulation of one sensory modality leads to involuntary experiences in another modality.