WK 10 - CNS and Plasticity

neurogenisis

the formation of new neurons

neurulation

the process of forming the neural tube

neuronal proliferation

the rapid increase in numbers of neurons

neuronal migration

the movement of the neurons towards their targeted site

synaptogenesis

the formation of synaptic connections

myelination

the process of myelinating fibers

glial proliferation

the number of glial cells increases to allow myelination of fibers

neuronal differentation

the function of the neuronal pool has greater specificity

forming the nervous system

neural plate formed > neural plate creates groove > neural groove closes into neural tube > ends of neural tube closes to become spinal cord

mesencephalon

turns into midbrain

prosencephalon

turns into forebrain

rhombencephalon

turns into hindbrain

optical vesicle

forms optic nerve, retina, and iris

alar plate

forms the cerebral hemispheres

activity-independent

hardwired processes determined by genetic programs played out within individual neurons

activity-dependent

modification of synapses and synapse elimination requires neural activity

neuromuscular junction

provides a simple and accessible structure that allows for easy manipulation and observation

NMJ composistion

motor neuron, myofiber, schwann cell

regulatory pruning

selectively removing elements to optimize function or structure