Intro to Neuroscience, Chapter 7.1: Developing & Evolving Nervous System

When does most of the brain’s development occur?

During prenatal development and the first year of life.

What are the steps of development?

Proliferation, migration, differentiation, myelination, and synaptogenesis

What happens during proliferation?

Stem cells make numerous copies of themselves.

What happens during migration?

Copies more to the appropriate part of the brain, following trails of chemicals called “chemokines.”

What happens during differentiation?

Neurons grow axons and dendrite as they’re migrating.

What happens during myelination?

Gradual process that continue for decades.

What happens during synaptogenesis?

Neurons from synapses with surrounding cells. This is essential for survival.

What is Neural Darwinism?

When the nervous system produces far more neurons that it needs.

What is apoptosis?

The concept that all neurons are pre-programmed to die if they do not get adequate interactions with other neurons.

What do neurotrophies do?

They turn off apoptosis.

What do teratogens do?

Harmful pathogens/agents present in the mother’s bloodstream that could be harmful to her and her unborn child.

What can be classified as teratogens?

Drugs, viruses, etc.

Why is consuming alcohol during a pregnancy dangerous?

Most detrimental during the second to third trimesters because migration is taking place during that time.