Embryonic and Nervous System Development

A fertilized egg, a single cell that rapidly divides.

A hollow sphere of pluripotent cells that form the embryo.

A partially differentiated blastocyst with 3 germ layers (ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm).

The process of creating new neurons from progenitor cells (like neural stem cells).

Cells that give rise to neurons and other specialized cells.

The movement of newly formed neurons to their designated locations in the brain, guided by radial glia.

Cells that act as guides for neuron migration during brain development.

The process of an embryo forming into a fetus, involving distinct stages.

The ability to recognize individuals based on their unique scent profiles, prevalent in many mammals, but not humans.

The detection of a stimulus and the recognition that an event has occurred. The process varies among different species.

The interpretation and appreciation of sensory stimuli.

The idea that different sensory inputs to the brain utilize distinct nerve energies, resulting in specific perceptions. Each sensory system has specialized pathways.

Specialized neurons that detect specific physical stimuli (light, sound, pressure). Most lack axons, but synapse with other neurons.

A type of sensory receptor that is not encapsulated and detects pain and heat. Example: Nociceptors.

A type of sensory receptor that is encapsulated, such as Pacinian corpuscles, which detect touch.

A type of sensory receptor that is highly specialized for a specific sense, such as auditory hair cells for hearing.

The initial stage of sensation, where physical energy is absorbed by a sensory receptor.

The conversion of physical energy into an electrochemical pattern in neurons, allowing for signal transmission. The receptor 'talks' to the neuron.

The process where the outermost layer of the cortex (layer I) forms first, followed by progressively deeper layers (II-VI), resulting in a six-layered structure.

The movement of neurons along the surface of the developing cortex, contributing to the formation of subcortical neurons and interneurons.

A developmental disorder caused by disruptions in neuronal migration, leading to abnormal cortical structure and function.

The process where neurons acquire specialized functions and identities, becoming distinct types of neurons or glia.

The formation of synapses between neurons, involving the growth of axons, dendrites, and synapses.

The process where growing axons are guided to their target destinations by chemical signals released from the postsynaptic target.

The process where pioneer growth cones guide subsequent axons, ensuring the formation of correct neural pathways.

Programmed cell death, a natural process that eliminates excess neurons during development.

A fine-tuning process that refines neural connections, strengthening or eliminating synapses based on activity.

The process of forming a myelin sheath around axons, increasing the speed of electrical signal transmission between neurons.

The process where the neural plate folds to form the neural tube, the precursor to the central nervous system (CNS).

Segmented structures in the hindbrain during development, playing a role in organizing and patterning neural tissues.

Specialized regions of ectoderm that contribute to the development of sensory systems, like smell or taste.

Conditions that provide sensory, social, and cognitive stimulation, leading to improved brain development.

Lack of stimulation that has negative impact on brain development, leading to reduced neural connectivity and cognitive deficits.

Groups of neurons that work together to encode information, especially intensity, by recruiting more neurons as the intensity increases.

The process of representing the strength of a stimulus using the number of active neurons.

Representing the frequency of a stimulus by the frequency of action potentials produced by neurons.

The process of sensory receptors becoming less sensitive to a continuous stimulus over time.

Sensory receptors that respond continuously to a stimulus, slowly adapting or not adapting.

Sensory receptors that respond strongly at the onset of a stimulus but quickly adapt and decrease their response.

The ability of the brain to change and adapt its structure and function based on experience.

The sense of touch, including pressure, temperature, pain, and proprioception.

The ability to feel fine details and discriminate between different textures.

The ability to feel non-discriminative sensations like pain and temperature.

Encapsulated sensory receptors that respond to sudden, deep pressure.

Encapsulated sensory receptors that respond to sudden, light touch.

Encapsulated sensory receptors that respond to gradual, stretch.

Encapsulated sensory receptors that respond to gradual, light touch.

Sensory receptors that provide information about the position and movement of the body.