Neural Development Overview

A set of flashcards focusing on key concepts related to the stages and processes of neural development, emphasizing definitions and descriptions of important biological terms.

Blastocyst

An early stage of mammalian embryo development, consisting of an inner cell mass and trophoblast.

Gastrulation

The process during early embryonic development where cells move to form germ layers: endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.

Neural tube

A structure that forms from the ectoderm, developing into the brain and spinal cord.

Neurogenesis

The first stage of neural development where undifferentiated cells divide to produce new stem cells or neuroblasts.

Cell migration

The second stage of neural development, where precursor cells move to specific locations to establish distinct cell populations.

Differentiation

The third stage of neurodevelopment where cells begin to express specific genes, acquiring the traits of neurons.

Process outgrowth

The fourth stage of neurodevelopment involving the growth of axons and dendrites and the formation of synapses.

Cell death

The fifth stage of neural development where some cells undergo apoptosis or programmed cell death.

Radial glia

Glial cells that act as guides for migrating neurons during brain development.

Epigenetic factors

Influences that affect how genes are expressed, which can impact neural development and differentiation.