L19: Neurogenesis and Development of the Vertebrate Nervous System

Neurogenesis

Formation of new neurons in the nervous system.

Nervous System

Complex network of neurons and glial cells.

Neurons

Cells that transmit nerve impulses.

Glia

Support cells in the nervous system.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells supporting neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that insulate axons in CNS.

Microglia

Immune cells of the central nervous system.

Schwann Cells

Glial cells that insulate axons in PNS.

Synapses

Connections between neurons for communication.

Neural Plate

Embryonic structure forming the nervous system.

Neural Tube

Structure that develops into CNS from neural plate.

Neural Crest Cells

Cells migrating from neural tube to form PNS.

Dorsal Pathway

Migration route for pigment cells in skin.

Ventral Pathway

Migration route forming dorsal root ganglia.

Ephrins

Proteins that mediate cell signaling interactions.

Eph Receptors

Receptors binding to ephrins for signaling.

Gbx2

Transcription factor expressed in hindbrain.

Otx2

Transcription factor expressed in midbrain.

FGF-8

Growth factor secreted by signaling centers.

Anterior Neural Ridge (ANR)

Secretes FGF-8 for forebrain patterning.

Zona Limitans Intrathalamica (ZLI)

Secretes Sonic hedgehog for thalamus patterning.

Rhombomeres

Segmentation units in the hindbrain.

Cranial Nerves

Nerves arising from rhombomeres.

Branchial Arches

Structures giving rise to head tissues.

Optic Vesicle

Embryonic structure forming parts of the eye.

Eph-EphR Interactions

Signaling that influences cell attraction or repulsion.

Hox Genes

Genes determining body plan and segment identity.

Krox20

Transcription factor defining specific rhombomeres.

Sonic Hedgehog (Shh)

Signaling molecule directing neuron formation.

Dorsal Root Ganglia (DRG)

Clusters of sensory neurons in PNS.

Ventral Root Ganglia (VRG)

Clusters of motor neurons in PNS.

Gli Transcription Factors

Mediators of Shh signaling in neurons.

Delta Signaling

Cell interaction influencing neurogenesis.

Notch Pathway

Regulates cell fate decisions during development.

Ventricular Zone

Region where neural stem cells proliferate.

Radial Glial Cells

Guides for migrating neurons.

Cerebral Cortex Layers

Six layers formed by migrating neurons.

Marginal Zone (MZ)

Outer layer of the cerebral cortex.

Cortical Plate (CP)

Layer where neurons aggregate during development.

Subplate (SP)

Intermediate layer in the developing cortex.

Intermediate Zone (IZ)

Layer between cortical plate and subventricular zone.

Subventricular Zone (SVZ)

Region of ongoing neurogenesis in adults.

Ventricular Zone (VZ)

Innermost layer of the developing cortex.

GABAergic Neurons

Inhibitory neurons using GABA as neurotransmitter.

Glutamatergic Neurons

Excitatory neurons using glutamate as neurotransmitter.