Study Notes on Brain Plasticity and Neural Development

Section Two Content

Topics Overview

  • Focus on two large topics:
    • Brain Plasticity
    • Sensation and Perception
  • Duration:
    • Two lectures on brain plasticity

Brain Plasticity in Cognitive Neuroscience

  • Hot research area in cognitive neuroscience in recent decades.
  • Explore the basics:
    • Neural development
    • Changes in the brain
    • Important factors affecting these processes

Assembling a Brain

  • Thought Experiment:
    • What is needed to assemble a brain with neurons?
    • Consider parallels with assembling a LEGO car.
Assembling a LEGO Car
  • Initial Steps:
    • Gather all pieces and organize into piles.
    • Review instruction book for assembly steps.
    • Follow steps to complete assembly.
Parallel to Brain Assembly
  • Required Elements for Brain Assembly:
    • Exact Pieces: Neurons and their capacity for connections.
    • Instruction Book: Guidelines on neuron placement.
  • Key Point: The brain lacks an explicit instruction manual.
  • It does not start with a pre-defined number of neurons.

Development of the Human Brain

  • Gestational Timeline: Neural Development
    • The human central nervous system begins forming at about two weeks of embryonic life.
    • Initial formation:
    • Brain and spinal cord develop as folds surrounding a fluid-filled cavity.
    • The cavity becomes the central canal of the spinal cord and the four ventricles of the brain.
Brain Structure Development (Gestational Age)

  • 3 Weeks Gestational Age:

    • Visual representation of a developing human brain.
    • Components:
    • Most left structure becomes the future full brain.
    • Middle green area develops into the midbrain.
    • Right area forms the hindbrain.
    • Extended yellow structure develops into the brain stem and part of the spinal cord.

  • 7.5 Weeks Gestational Age:

    • Spinal cord activities initiate simple muscle movements.
    • Embryo cannot sense anything at this stage.
    • Concurrently, a massive production of neurons is occurring.
Birth Stage Development

  • At Birth:

    • The fully grown brain encases the midbrain and part of the hindbrain.
    • Average brain weight: 350 grams.

  • First Year Development:

    • By the end of the first year, brain weight increases to 1,000 grams.
    • Typical adult brain weight ranges from 1,200 to 1,400 grams.

Neurodevelopment Approach

  • Concluding thought: The nervous system does not follow a straightforward assembly approach with a manual.
  • Question raised: What kind of approach does it take in neurodevelopment?