Development and Plasticity

What does it mean that the brain is plastic?

It can change structurally and functionally with experience

What is pluripotent?

Any cell type

What is Multipotent?

Limited range

What is Unipotent

One type only

What are the embryonic layers?

Ectoderm, Mesoderm, and Endoderm

What does Ectoderm become?

Nervous system/skin

What Mesoderm become?

Muscles/bones

What does Endoderm become?

Organs

The Neural tube becomes what?

Brain and spinal cord

What disorders are from the neural tube?

Spina bifida, and anencephaly

Which glial cells helps connections form?

Astrocytes

What is apoptosis?

Programmed cell death

Why is apoptosis better than random cell death?

Prevents damage/inflammation

Why does brain volume increase after birth?

Synaptogenesis + myelination

What is diffusion tensor imaging?

Imaging of white matter tracts

What affects brain development?

Experience, enviornment, learning, and stress

Critical vs sensitive period?

must happen vs optimal time but flexible

Effects of extreme neglect?

Cognitive delays, emotional issues, and reduced brain development

Sleep deprivation effect (rats)?

Reduces neurogenesis

Why do amputees feel phantom limbs?

Brain reorganization