Neurogenesis and Epigenetics in Brain Development

These flashcards cover essential vocabulary and concepts related to neurogenesis, induced pluripotent stem cells, and epigenetics as discussed in the lecture notes.

Neurogenesis

The process of generating new neurons in the brain.

Hippocampus

A brain region important for learning and memory, where adult neurogenesis is prominent.

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (IPSCs)

Mature cells that have been genetically reprogrammed back into a stem-cell-like state.

BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor)

A neurotrophic factor that promotes neuron survival and supports neurogenesis.

Epigenetics

Changes in gene expression without altering the DNA sequence.

Methylation

An epigenetic mechanism that adds a methyl group to DNA, turning genes off.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of connections between neurons, crucial during brain development.

Cell migration

The process by which neurons move to their correct locations in the brain.

Differentiation

The stage where neurons become specialized and obtain distinct functions.

Neuronal apoptosis

The process by which excess neurons die due to competition for neurotrophic factors.

Chronic stress

A condition that inhibits neurogenesis by elevating glucocorticoids.

Exercise and neurogenesis

Exercise boosts neurogenesis through increased levels of neurotrophic factors, particularly BDNF.

Maternal behavior's influence on epigenetics

Maternal actions, like grooming, can affect the stress responsiveness of offspring via epigenetic mechanisms.

Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)

A condition where XX females are exposed to high androgens, resulting in masculinized genitalia.

Neural tube defects

Medical conditions that arise from the failure of the neural tube to close properly during early development.

Radial glia

Cells that play an important role in neuronal cell migration during brain development.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

Axon

The long, slender projection of a neuron that conducts electrical impulses away from the neuron's cell body.

Dendrites

Branch-like structures that receive signals from other neurons.

Synapse

The junction between two neurons, where signal transmission occurs.

Glial cells

Non-neuronal cells in the nervous system that support, protect, and maintain the neurons.

Cognitive function

Mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, including thinking, knowing, remembering, and judging.

Neurotrophic factors

Proteins that aid the survival, development, and function of neurons.

Brain development stages

Phases during which the brain undergoes morphological and functional changes from conception to adulthood.

Neuroinflammation

An inflammatory response in the brain or spinal cord that can affect neuronal health.

Learning and memory mechanisms

Processes in the brain that involve changes in synaptic strength and neuronal connections.

Apoptosis regulation

The mechanisms that control programmed cell death in neurons.

Environmental enrichment

Conditions that enhance cognitive and physical activity, promoting neurogenesis and brain health.

Age-related cognitive decline

The gradual loss of cognitive abilities as a person ages.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that produce the myelin sheath for axons in the central nervous system.

Neurodevelopmental disorders

Disorders that are characterized by the abnormal development of the nervous system.

Behavioral epigenetics

The study of how genetics and environment interact to affect behavior.

Neural plasticity

The ability of the brain to change and adapt as a result of experience.

Myelination

The process of forming a myelin sheath around a nerve to allow for faster signal transmission.

Cortex

The outer layer of the brain involved in various higher functions such as thought and action.

Motor neurons

Neurons that carry signals from the brain and spinal cord to muscles to produce movement.

Sensory neurons

Neurons that carry signals from sensory organs to the central nervous system.

Interneurons

Neurons that connect between sensory and motor neurons, processing information within the brain.