Neurology Foundations 2 Quiz: Brain Development

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of the prefrontal cortex?

Semantic memory

Spatial reasoning

Attention

Decision-making (correct)

When does myelin formation mostly conclude in development?

In late adolescence

At birth

In young adulthood (correct)

During early childhood

Which brain region is involved in spatial reasoning?

Posterior parietal cortex (correct)

Cerebellum

Prefrontal cortex

Anterior temporal cortex

Why are early experiences critical during sensitive periods of brain development?

They facilitate low-level circuitry to guide higher-level tasks. Signup and view all the answers

How does the pattern of brain development proceed?

Hierarchical, following a bottom-up approach Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of primary relationships in brain development during sensitive periods?

They influence the architecture of the brain through serve & return interactions. Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to neuroplasticity in the brain?

Positive stimuli from learning and negative stimuli from injury. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the Circle of Willis in the brain?

It provides collateral blood flow between the anterior and posterior circulations. Signup and view all the answers

Which outcome can result from early impoverishment of experiences during sensitive periods?

Lasting negative consequences on development. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes how the brain is affected during periods of neuroplasticity?

It adapts its structure in response to diverse learning experiences. Signup and view all the answers

What drives the sequence of events during in utero brain development?

Maternal environment and genetics Signup and view all the answers

At what week do neurons begin to form during neurogenesis?

Week 3 Signup and view all the answers

Which statement is true about the process of cell maturation?

Dendrite formation occurs primarily postnatally Signup and view all the answers

During synapse formation, when does the process begin?

Week 23 prenatal Signup and view all the answers

What happens during synaptic pruning?

Unused neurons and circuits are eliminated Signup and view all the answers

What primarily influences the connections formed in the brain during development?

Experiences and environment Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes dendritic and axonal growth during maturation?

Axon growth is approximately 1000 times faster than dendrite growth Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'prime time' for synapse formation after birth?

The first two years Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Course name: Neurology Foundations 2
Course code: OCCTH 583
Instructor: Jennifer Krysa, MSc
Credentials: Registered Occupational Therapist (AB)
University: University of Alberta

Outline

Brain Development
A Spider's Tale
Neuro Games

Brain Development

Two phases of neurocircuitry development:
- In utero: genetically determined events influenced by the maternal environment.
- Prenatal and postnatal: emerging connections respond to environment and experiences.
Specific stages of brain development:
- Neurogenesis
- Cell Migration
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Maturation
- Synaptic Formation
- Synaptic Pruning
- Myelin Formation

Neurogenesis

Genesis: the origin or formation of something.
Neurogenesis: the formation of neurons.
In utero timeline:
- Week 3: neurons begin to form, creating the neural tube.
- Week 6: cells that become the cerebrum begin to divide.
- 14 weeks: cerebrum is largely formed.
- 7 months: sulci and gyri (folds) appear.
Continued neuron formation occurs in the hippocampus throughout middle age.
- Activities like new learning and exercise can stimulate ongoing neuron generation.

Cell Migration and Differentiation

Newly formed neurons travel along glial cells to the outer surface of the cerebral cortex.
The cerebral cortex develops in six layers, sequentially from the inside out.
Neurons migrate to specific regions of the cortex.
Neurons differentiate into various cell types, forming axons and dendrites.
Synapses are created, and neurotransmitters (NTs) are synthesized.

Cell Maturation

Cells mature at their final location.
Dendrite formation begins in utero and continues postnatally.
Dendritic growth is slower than axon growth (approximately 1000 times slower).
The abundance of axons influences the differentiation of dendrites.
Initially, more axons and dendrites are produced than are ultimately needed.

Synapse Formation

Synapse formation starts around week 23 of prenatal development and continues postnatally.
The prime time for synapse formation is the first two years after birth.
Up to 700 synapses are formed per second (due to overproduction).
Basic brain processes develop first, followed by more complex functions.
Most neural connections develop and locate on the cortex in response to experiences and the environment.

Synaptic Pruning

Unused neurons and neural circuits are pruned away.
The most used synapses remain, highlighting the importance of experience and environment in brain development.
The timing of pruning is variable.
The visual cortex prunes in early childhood, typically until approximately age six.
The prefrontal cortex prunes in late adolescence.

Myelin Formation

Glial cells develop, enabling myelin formation.
Myelin formation begins prenatally and largely finishes in young adulthood.
Myelin formation occurs in waves.
Specific areas of the brain myelinate after age 18:
- Prefrontal cortex
- Posterior parietal cortex
- Anterior temporal cortex

Prefrontal Cortex

Associated functions:
- Decision-making
- Reasoning
- Social appropriateness
- Personality expression
- Complex cognitive behaviors

Posterior Parietal Cortex

Associated functions:
- Spatial reasoning
- Attention
- Planned movement

Anterior Temporal Cortex

Associated functions:
- Semantic memory
- Knowledge of facts, words, people, and objects

Pattern of Brain Development

Brain development occurs hierarchically, starting from low-level interpretation of sensory stimuli (prenatal and at birth).
Higher-level development, such as interpretation of facial expression and language acquisition, emerges.
Development is heavily influenced by exposure to different environments and experiences during critical periods.
Skills naturally develop according to this pattern.

Sensitive Periods

Sensitive periods occur at different ages for different parts of the brain.
Stimulating environments and experiences enhance brain architecture.
Early stimulating experiences are crucial for building the foundation for later learning
Lower-level circuitry must provide precise, high-quality information to the higher-level circuitry for successful complex task performance.
Neural circuits are formed and pruned.
Development includes vision, hearing, motor control, emotional response, social cues, and language acquisition.
As higher-level circuitry matures needs more diverse and sophisticated experiences.
Early deprivation can have lifelong implications.
Primary relationships have an impact on brain architecture and development.
Serve-and-return interactions with caregivers are vital.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's capacity to form and reorganize synaptic connections in response to positive stimuli (e.g., learning) or negative stimuli (e.g., injury).
Examples of stimuli promoting neuroplasticity include novelty, complexity, effortful tasks, sustained attention.

A Spider's Tale

A fictional spider, named Willis, lives on the pons.
Description of Willis:
- Nose, eyebrows, suckers for a mouth.
- Eyes looking outward.
- Crew cut, fuzzy beard.
- Two pairs of antennae.
- Eight legs, two pairs under the head, two pairs attached at the end of the body.
- Short feelers located at the end of the last pair of legs.
- Male.

Significance of the Circle of Willis

Collateral blood flow between anterior and posterior circulations of the brain.
Protection against ischemia or damage in one or more areas.

Neuro Games

Launch point for activities and practice related to brain functions in the context of the course topic.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the phases and stages of brain development covered in Neurology Foundations 2. This quiz includes information on neurogenesis, cell migration, and the impact of the maternal environment on neurocircuitry. Formulate your understanding of how brains develop both in utero and postnatally.