Brain and Behavior: Neurodevelopment & Neuronal Plasticity

Flashcards covering key concepts in brain development and neuroplasticity, including stages of development, synaptogenesis, apoptosis, myelination, and the impact of environmental factors.

What are the stages of brain development?

Cell birth/Proliferation (Neurogenesis and Gliogenesis), Cell migration, Cell differentiation and maturation, Synaptogenesis and synaptic pruning, Cell death, Myelination (myelogenesis)

How do neurons develop during cell birth/proliferation?

Immature cells called stem cells divide to form progenitor cells, each progenitor cell can be a neuroblast or a glioblast.

What is the ventricular zone (brain's nursery)?

It's located closer to the inner surface of the neural tube and is where cells undergoing mitosis are found

What helps the newly formed cells move towards the outer layers during cell migration?

Chemical signals (immunoglobulins and cytokines) and physical support provided by radial glia

What happens when immature neurons arrive at their destination during differentiation and maturation?

They start to form an axon and dendrites that will give them their distinctive shape

What guides Synaptogenesis?

The growing end of the axon is called a growth cone, which develops thin extensions known as filopodia.

What are growth cones attracted to?

Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) and Tropic molecules

What is the determining factor for Synaptic Pruning?

Experience – “use it or lose it” principle

During adolescence, what happens to white matter and myelination?

Increase in white matter (myelination) which peaks in adulthood

Differentiate Apoptosis from Necrosis

Apoptosis is an active process where cells express genes that enable them to die (death genes/caspases).

In order to avoid apoptosis and survive, a neuron will need what factors?

Neurotrophins (growth factors) from its target cells and active communication with other neurons which leads to the strengthening of the synapses

What is Myelination?

Glia form a fatty sheath that covers the axons of neurons, speeds up the transmission of neural impulses and allows for its ‘saltatory conduction’

What is collateral sprouting?

New branches formed by non-damaged axons attach to vacant spots of dendrites and cell bodies

What are Critical Periods?

A period during which the brain is most sensitive to a specific experience.

What are examples of Maternal Adversity?

Low social status, Stressful events, Malnutrition