Neurulation and Neural Development

Vocabulary flashcards related to neural development, covering critical terms, processes, and concepts from the lecture.

Gastrulation

The phase in embryonic development that involves the formation of the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

Neurulation

The process by which the neural tube forms from the ectoderm; it follows gastrulation.

Neural tube

A hollow structure that forms during neurulation and eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord.

Ectoderm

The outermost germ layer that develops into the nervous system and skin.

Mesoderm

The middle germ layer that develops into muscle, bone, and connective tissues.

Endoderm

The innermost germ layer that develops into the respiratory and digestive systems.

Anencephaly

A severe congenital condition in which a major part of the brain, skull, and scalp is absent.

Myeloschisis

A defect resulting from the failure of the neural tube to close properly, leading to a spinal cord exposed to the environment.

Encephalocele

A condition where a part of the brain protrudes through a defect in the skull.

Arnold-Chiari malformation

A structural defect in the brain where part of the cerebellum is displaced into the spinal canal.

HoloProsencephaly

A condition where the forebrain does not properly divide into two hemispheres, leading to severe facial and brain malformations.

Plasticity neuronal

The ability of the brain to change throughout life by reorganizing itself and forming new connections.

Apoptosis

The process of programmed cell death that occurs naturally during development and helps eliminate unnecessary cells.

Neuroglia

Support cells in the nervous system that assist in the proper functioning of neurons.

Malformaciones neuronales

Congenital defects resulting from abnormal proliferation, migration, or differentiation of neurons and glial cells.

Ganglioglioma

A rare, slow-growing brain tumor made up of both glial cells and neurons.

Neuroepitelio

A layer of epithelial cells that give rise to neurons, glial cells, and other cells of the nervous system.

Sinaptogénesis

The formation of synapses between neurons during the development of the nervous system.

Crecimiento dendrítico

The process by which dendrites grow and form connections with other neurons.

Factores tróficos

Substances that support the growth, survival, and differentiation of neurons.

Capa del manto

The inner layer of cells in the developing brain where neurons migrate to.

Capa marginal

The outermost layer in the developing brain that eventually forms the cerebral cortex.