Neurodevelopment and Neuropsychology

A collection of key terms and concepts related to neurodevelopment and its importance in neuropsychology.

Importance of Development in Neuropsychology

Understanding developmental changes is crucial for comprehending adult neuropsychology.

Human Brain Development

The human brain develops from a single cell into a structure containing billions of neurons.

Human Genome

Specifies the design of an organism, containing approximately 20,000 to 25,000 genes.

Zygotic Stage

The prenatal developmental stage from 0 to 14 days.

Embryonic Stage

The second stage of prenatal development lasting from 14 days to 9 weeks.

Fetal Stage

The final stage of prenatal development occurring from 9 weeks to 40 weeks.

Postnatal Period

The human developmental period from birth to 18 years, comprising neonate, infant, childhood, and adolescence.

Gastrulation

Process where cells migrate to the interior of the embryo, leading to the formation of endoderm, mesoderm, and ectoderm.

Neurulation

The process during embryonic development where the ectoderm gives rise to the nervous system.

Growing Factors

Substances such as BMP4 that influence cell differentiation during neural development.

Proliferation

The phase in neuron development where stem cells undergo cell division to produce new cells.

Differentiation

The process where neurons develop their specialized functions, including cell body formation and synapse creation.

Radial Glial Cells

Cells that facilitate neuron migration during the development of the nervous system.

Neural Epigenesis

The process of changes in neural development influenced by various factors and experiences.