Neurodevelopment and Brain Maturation

This set of flashcards covers key concepts related to neurodevelopment, including brain maturation stages, the significance of neurogenesis, and the impact of genetics and environment on development.

What are the six stages of cellular brain development?

Neurogenesis, cell migration, cell differentiation, synaptogenesis, cell death, and synapse rearrangement.

What is neurogenesis?

The process of mitosis producing neurons from non-neuronal cells, forming the ventricular zone.

How does maternal behavior influence offspring?

Through epigenetic mechanisms.

What is synapse rearrangement?

The loss or development of synapses that helps in fine-tuning neural connections.

How does the human brain's growth after birth compare to that of chimpanzees?

The human brain continues to grow rapidly after birth, while further brain development in chimpanzees is modest.

Why is cell death important in brain development?

Cell death, or apoptosis, is a crucial process that eliminates excess neurons, shaping the final neural architecture.

What are neurotrophic factors?

Substances produced by target cells that regulate neuronal development and survival.

What does the term 'Hebbian synapse' refer to?

Synapses that strengthen through the simultaneous firing of pre and postsynaptic neurons, encapsulated in the principle 'cells that fire together wire together'.

What is the significance of neurogenesis in adulthood?

It allows for the generation of new neurons, which can contribute to learning and memory.

Describe the maturity of the prefrontal cortex.

The prefrontal cortex matures last and is associated with higher cognitive functions including inhibiting behavior.

What is the effect of age on brain volume?

Human brain volume declines steadily by about 5% per decade after age 40.

What are genotype and phenotype?

Genotype is the sum of an individual's intrinsic genetic information, while phenotype refers to an individual's physical characteristics.

What is the role of methylation in gene expression?

Methylation modifies DNA, making genes less likely to be expressed without changing the nucleotide sequence.

How do experiences affect synaptic connectivity?

Different experiences can modulate synaptic activity and result in diverse patterns of synaptic connectivity.