Neurogenesis and the Neocortex

These flashcards cover key concepts related to neurogenesis and the development of the neocortex, based on the lecture notes.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells.

Neocortex

The part of the brain involved in higher-order brain functions such as sensory perception, cognition, and generation of motor commands.

Ventricular zone

The layer of the brain next to the brain's fluid-filled cavities where neural stem cells reside.

Radial glial cell

A type of stem cell in the ventricular zone that helps guide the migration of neurons during development.

Asymmetric division

A type of cell division that produces one stem cell and one differentiated cell.

Symmetric division

A type of cell division that produces two identical stem cells, expanding the population.

Cleavage plane

The orientation of cell division, which can be either vertical or horizontal.

Notch

A receptor that promotes stemness in cells and influences symmetric division.

Numb

A transcription factor that antagonizes Notch and promotes asymmetry in cell division.

Microcephaly

A condition characterized by a smaller brain due to an imbalance of asymmetric and symmetric cell divisions.

Dorsal VZ

The region of the ventricular zone near the top of the brain, associated with the generation of cortical astrocytes and pyramidal cells.

Ventral VZ

The region of the ventricular zone near the bottom of the brain, associated with the generation of GABAergic interneurons.