Brain Development

Question 1

What is a neuron composed of ?

Answer 1

-cell body with a nucleus, and has a fibre called an AXON WHICH CONNECTS IT TO OTHER CELLS

Question 2

What does the axon do ?

Answer 2

• carries electrical signals to another area of the brain

- also carry messages from brain to muscles

Question 3

What is at the end of an axon and what does it release ?

Answer 3

-AXON TERMINAL, releases neurotransmitters

Question 4

What is a neurotransmitter?

Answer 4

-picked up by other neurones which can cause them to react and send our their own electrical signals

Question 5

When does the human brain start to develop ?

Answer 5

• around the THIRD WEEK after being conceived

- early in EMBRYONIC STAGE

Question 6

What are stem cells ?

Answer 6

-can transform into any type of cell

DURING DEVELOPMENT, ITS CELLS ARE STEM CELLS

Question 7

When do true neurones form and all the main structures of CNS take place ?

Answer 7

• TRUE NEURONES- DAY 42

- MAIN STRUCTURES OF CNS- DAY 56

Question 8

What is the function of a brain stem ?

Answer 8

-autonomic functions such as breathing and heartbeat

Question 9

What is the function of a thalamus ?

Answer 9

-completes some basic SENSORY processing and relays signals to CEREBRAL CORTEX

Question 10

What is the function of a cerebral cortex ?

Answer 10

-cognition- thinking, perception and most memory processes

Question 11

What is the function of a cerebellum ?

Answer 11

-motor movement