Growth and Development of the Brain

Neurogenesis

Mitosis produces neurons from non-neuronal cells.

Cell Migration

Cells move from ventricular zone to destinations.

Cell Differentiation

Cells become specific neuron types based on location.

Synaptogenesis

Establishment of billions of synaptic connections.

Cell Death

Selective death of neurons, often nearly half.

Synapse Rearrangement

Loss or development of synapses; fine-tuning process.

Neurotrophic Factors

Supportive substances that promote neuron survival.

Ectoderm

Outer layer forming the nervous system.

Neural Plate

Thickened ectoderm that develops into the neural groove.

Neural Tube

Structure that becomes cerebral ventricles and spinal canal.

Endoderm

Innermost layer of cells in embryo development.

Mesoderm

Middle layer of cells in embryo development.

Cell-Cell Interactions

Influences cell differentiation and function.

Pruning

Process of synapse elimination during development.

Developmental Stages

Six distinct phases of brain maturation.

Adult Neurogenesis

Generation of new neurons in adult brain.

Ventricular Zone

Region where neurons are produced.

Cerebral Ventricles

Fluid-filled spaces in the brain.

Spinal Canal

Central canal of the spinal cord.

Neuronal Development Animation

Visual representation of stages in neuron maturation.

Fetal Brain Development

Rapid growth of brain outside the womb.

Checks and Balances

Regulatory mechanisms ensuring proper neuron death.

Death Genes

Genes activated to programmatically induce cell death.

Cell Competition

Neurons compete for synaptic connections and survival.

Significance of Neurogenesis

New neurons contribute to learning and memory.

Brain Growth Post-Birth

Increased size due to cell proliferation and connections.

Embryonic Development

Initial stages of brain formation after fertilization.

Adult Neurogenesis

Neurogenesis occurring in specific brain regions.

Affected Factors

Exercise, environment, and learning influence neurogenesis.

Synapse Rearrangement

Process of pruning weaker synapses while retaining stronger ones.

Cortical Thinning

Net loss of synapses from late childhood to adolescence.

Rostral Maturation

Last area to mature, linked to impulsivity.

Intellectual Disability

Genetic disorders significantly impact brain development.

Fragile X Syndrome

Most common inherited cause of intellectual disability.

Immature Synapses

Excessive synapses in Fragile X impair cognitive function.

Visual Deprivation

Lack of visual experience can lead to blindness.

Amblyopia

Lazy eye; vision impairment in one eye.

Strabismus

Misalignment of eyes causing double vision.

Visual Acuity

Clarity or sharpness of vision.

Critical Period

Developmental phase for permanent alterations from experience.

Binocular Deprivation

Loss of synapses due to lack of visual input.

Permanent Alterations

Long-term changes due to prolonged visual deprivation.

Monocular Deprivation

Loss of vision in one eye affecting brain organization.

Cortical Neurons

Neurons in the visual cortex responding to visual stimuli.

Active Synapses

Synapses that dominate due to effective postsynaptic impact.

Neurotrophic Factors

Molecules supporting neuron growth and survival.

Experience-Dependent Plasticity

Neural changes based on individual experiences.

Dendritic Spines

Small protrusions on neurons where synapses form.

Synaptic Targets

Specific sites where synapses connect with neurons.

Cortical Remodeling

Reorganization of synaptic connections during development.

Impulsivity in Teenagers

Behavioral trait linked to late cortical maturation.

Visual System Strengthening

Enhancement of visual circuits through experience.

Synaptic Competition

Rivalry between axons for synaptic connections.

Michael May

Blinded by explosion; restored vision at 46.

Visual Object Recognition

Ability to identify objects visually; tested in studies.

Retina Restoration

Restoring vision to retina doesn't guarantee normal sight.

Importance of Experience

Experience strengthens visual system development and function.

Gene Expression Regulation

Environment influences how genes are expressed in behavior.

Epigenetic Changes

Alterations in gene expression without changing DNA sequence.

Rodent Dams' Influence

Mothers affect offspring's stress response through care.

Genotype

Fixed genetic information present at birth.

Phenotype

Physical characteristics that change with environment and experience.

Identical Twins

Different experiences lead to varied phenotypes and behaviors.

Phenylketonuria (PKU)

Genetic disorder causing brain damage from phenylalanine.

Phenylalanine

Amino acid harmful in PKU without dietary control.

Gene/Environment Interaction

Dysfunctional genes cause issues only in specific environments.

Gene Expression Study

Investigates factors altering gene expression without sequence change.

Protein Production

Gene expression changes affect protein levels in cells.

Hormone Receptors

Proteins that interact with hormones, influencing behavior.

Methylation

Addition of methyl group reducing gene expression.

Maternal Care Impact

Early care affects DNA methylation and later behavior.

Stress Response

Behavioral reaction influenced by early experiences and genetics.

Behavioral Differences

Genetically identical animals show varied behaviors from upbringing.

Higher Stress Levels

Less maternal care leads to increased anxiety in offspring.

Anxiety Phenotype

Behavioral traits related to stress and anxiety levels.

Experience and Gene Interaction

Life experiences shape gene expression and behavior outcomes.

Visual Circuits

Intact circuits from early vision aid later recognition.

Behavioral Genetics

Study of how genes and environment shape behavior.

Intellectual Impairment

Result of untreated PKU due to phenylalanine buildup.

Environmental Effects

Extrinsic factors influencing phenotype development throughout life.