Nervous System Development and Adaptation

Flashcards covering key concepts, developmental stages, and significant factors in brain development and adaptation.

What are the three perspectives on brain development?

Structural development, Behavioral development, Influencing factors such as language, injury, or socioeconomic status (SES).

What influences brain function according to the notes?

Sensory experience, injuries, hormones, genes, and socioeconomic status.

At what day of embryonic development can the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain be observed?

About 28 days into embryonic development.

What are the prenatal stages of human nervous system development?

Zygote: fertilization to 2 weeks, Embryo: 2 to 8 weeks, Fetus: 9 weeks to birth.

What is a neural stem cell?

A self-renewing cell that gives rise to neurons and glia.

What are the stages of brain development?

Cell birth, Neural migration, Cell differentiation, Neural maturation, Synaptogenesis, Cell death and synaptic pruning, Myelogenesis.

What does the term 'Neural Darwinism' refer to?

The hypothesis that cell death and synaptic pruning result from competition among neurons for connections and resources.

What happens during synaptogenesis?

Formation of synapses; significant synaptic development occurs during the first year of life.

What is myelination and why is it important?

Myelination is the formation of myelin around nerves, which provides an index of cerebral maturation.

Why does the brain develop 'inside out' and back to front?

This pattern of development likely affects functional maturation and connectivity in the nervous system.