Brain Development Flashcards
What are the three parts composing a brain?
cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem
Different _____ of the brain serve different functions.
Different LOBES of the brain serve different functions.
What is the neocortex?
A huge sheet built from six distinct layers of neurons folded in the brain many times.
How are neurons organized?
In layers and columns
What do neurons do?
They communicate by sending chemical signals via neurotransmitters.
What are the 6 stages of nervous system development?
- cell production (proliferation)
- cell migration
- cell differentiation
- synapse formation
- cell death/apoptosis
- synapse rearrangement
Which stages of nervous system development make up neurogenesis?
cell production, migration and differentiation
Which stage of nervous system development makes up synaptogenesis?
synapse formation
Which stages of nervous system development make up synaptic pruning?
cell death/apoptosis and synapse rearrangement
What does cell proliferation do?
Cell proliferation increases the number of cells
What are the three ways that cells end up in the right place?
spatial layering, chemical signals , and riding the “glial rail”
What are the two methods of spatial layering?
- New cells push out old cells (old on top of new)
- New cells migrate to the outside (new on top of old)
What are synapses? How do they occur
Connections between neurons; Cells elongate at their axons to form connections with other cells
A ____ numbers of synapses are formed in the first two years of life.
A LARGE numbers of synapses are formed in the first two years of life.
Why is there cell overgeneration and pruning?
Not all cells receive nutrients or are active – those that aren’t may die.
T/F Synapses are permanent.
F; After cell death, remaining cells make new synapses. Synapes that aren’t active are “pruned”.
Cell communication is enhanced via ____.
Cell communication is enhanced via MYELINATION.
T/F The brain matures of a short period.
F; The brain matures over an EXTENDED period
What is Experience-Expectant Plasticity? What does it result in?
Wiring of the brain occurs in part as the result of expected experiences. Results in vulnerability and individual differences.
What does plasticity create?
The potential for recovery from damage.
When can the most damage be done to a child and why?
During prenatal development because the infant is going through neurogenesis and neural migration.
When can the least damage be done to a child and why?
During infancy and early childhood because of synapse generation and pruning.
What are the two things that the timing of synaptogenesis vary by?
Function and location
