brain development and plasticity Flashcards
Within the first weeks what are the subdivisions of the inner cell mass
endoderm = organs
mesoderm = muscle,bones
ectoderm = nervous system, skin
Describe the steps of maturation of the brain
- cells of the neural tube PROLIFERATE (divide) and MIGRATE outwards.
- During migration neurons DIFFERENTIATE to take their final form.
- The axons of the neurons are then MYELINATED and synapses are formed.
What is the life span of white blood cells
2 weeks
what is the life span of red blood cells
4 months
what is the life span of skin cells
1 year
How do neurons connect
path finding axons attract and repel by certain chemicals
How do neurons connect in early life
Apoptosis (great cell death as weeks increase)
How do neurons connect in later life
Neurotrophins (neural sculpting)
What are the extrinsic factors in vulnerability of brain
drugs and toxins
- fetal alcohol syndrome
- decreased alertness, hyperactive, facial abnormalities
- alcohol supresses the release of glutamate (cortical thinking)
What are the intrinsic factors in vulnerability of brain
majority of brain development is through intrinsic factors GENES
-twins have identical brains
What is cortical plasticity
- fine tuning by experience
- a rich stimulating environment increases the dendritic branching and number of synapses in the brain
What adaptions are there to blind peoples brain
their brain reorganises, their visual cortex is more active than normal people
What adaptions are there to music training people
thicker grey matter
What happens when brain reorganisation goes to far
hand cramp (focal hand dystonia)
what are the adaption in amputation
- touch transfers to other fingers
- phantom sensations = continued sensation in amputated limb
- referred sensation = being touched on the face but its the experience of the phantom arm
