Brain Development and Structure

Vocabulary flashcards covering key concepts in brain development and structure.

Cranial Cavity

The space within the skull that contains the brain.

Neurons

Functional units of nervous tissue that conduct action potentials.

Neuroglia

Supportive cells in the nervous system that assist neurons.

Metabolic Activity

The rate at which metabolic processes occur in cells, crucial for neuron function.

Gastrulation

The process during embryonic development that transforms a single layer of cells into a multi-layered structure.

Neural Tube

A tube-like structure that forms from the ectoderm and develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Primary Brain Vesicles

The first three divisions of the brain that develop from the neural tube: prosencephalon, mesencephalon, and rhombencephalon.

Diencephalon

A secondary brain vesicle derived from the prosencephalon, which will develop into structures such as the thalamus and hypothalamus.

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

A clear fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, providing cushioning and transporting nutrients.

Choroid Plexus

Structures in the brain that produce cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Blood-Brain Barrier

A selective permeability barrier formed by astrocytes that protects the brain from toxic substances.

Medulla Oblongata

The inferior part of the brainstem that controls vital autonomic functions like heart rate and breathing.

Decussation of Pyramids

The crossing of motor pathways in the medulla oblongata, resulting in contralateral control of body movements.

Pons

The middle section of the brainstem that helps regulate breathing and relays signals between the cerebrum and the cerebellum.

Astrocytes

The most numerous neuroglia in the brain, forming the blood-brain barrier and providing structural support.

Proprioception

The sense of the relative position of one's own parts of the body and strength of effort being employed in movement.

Notochord

A flexible structure that induces the formation of the neural tube during embryonic development.

Germ Layers

The three layers of cells in the developing embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, from which all body systems develop.

Telencephalon

A secondary brain vesicle derived from the prosencephalon, ultimately developing into the cerebrum.

Meninges

Three protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.

Endothelium

A layer of cells lining blood vessels, involved in the formation of the blood-brain barrier.