Neuroscience Chapter: Nervous System Development

A flexible tube that develops into the brain and spinal cord. It's formed during the first few weeks of pregnancy.

Cells that migrate from the neural tube and form parts of the peripheral nervous system, like sensory neurons and adrenal glands.

Thickened areas of ectoderm that form sensory structures, like eyes and ears.

A developmental process where the neural tube bulges out into distinct regions, forming the brain's major parts.

The process where the neural tube cells differentiate into specialized cell types, like neurons and glial cells.

The outermost layer of the neural tube, giving rise to the brain's cortex, a critical area for higher functions.

The process by which the spinal cord develops from the caudal part of the neural tube.

The hindbrain develops into the medulla oblongata and pons, controlling vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

The process where the sperm and oocyte cell membranes fuse and breakdown, allowing the entire sperm (except the cell membrane) to enter the oocyte's cytoplasm.

A diploid cell (2n) formed by the fusion of a male and female pronucleus, containing genetic material from both parents.

The process where the secondary oocyte completes meiosis II, forming a mature ovum and a second polar body, resulting in the female pronucleus.

The union of the male and female pronuclei to form a single diploid nucleus within the zygote. This marks the completion of fertilization.

A series of mitotic cell divisions in the zygote, where the cell divides completely into equal daughter cells, increasing the number of cells but not the overall size of the embryo.

A developmental stage after cleavage, where the cells form a hollow ball-like structure with an inner cell mass and an outer layer of cells.

Cleavage in humans is holoblastic, meaning cells divide completely through their cytoplasm.

The first mitotic division in cleavage occurs through the area where the polar bodies were previously extruded, establishing a specific orientation for subsequent divisions.

The formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, also known as sprouting angiogenesis.

The process of creating new blood vessels from precursor cells, ultimately forming the primary vascular network.

The layer of mesoderm that lines the body cavity and is directly adjacent to the endoderm.

The layer of mesoderm that lines the outer wall of the body cavity and is continuous with the parietal mesoderm.

The structure that connects the embryo to the placenta, containing blood vessels that carry nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus.

Finger-like projections that extend from the chorion into the uterine wall, increasing the surface area for nutrient and gas exchange.

The process of cell differentiation within the ectoderm, directed by the notochord, resulting in the formation of the nervous system.

The process of forming the neural tube, a hollow structure that eventually develops into the brain and spinal cord.

A benign tumor arising from the trophoblast, the outer layer of the blastocyst, characterized by abnormal growth of chorionic villi, which appear as grape-like vesicles.

A malignant tumor of the trophoblast that can arise after a normal pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy, an abortion, or a hydatidiform mole. It is characterized by rapid proliferation of trophoblastic cells and a propensity to invade blood vessels.

Nonmetastatic GTN is the most common form of the neoplasia, confined to the uterus, with a high success rate in treatment. However, metastatic GTN, which spreads to other organs like the liver or brain, has a poorer prognosis.

Elevated hCG levels are a key diagnostic indicator of GTN, suggesting a high degree of suspicion for the disease.

The photograph shows hemorrhagic nodules metastatic to the liver, a common site for GTN metastasis. The central portion of the lesion is hemorrhagic and necrotic, with a thin rim of trophoblastic cells at the periphery.

The light micrograph shows the distinctive alternating arrangement of mononuclear cytotrophoblastic cells (cy) and multinucleated syncytiotrophoblastic cells (sy), which is a characteristic feature of GTN.

Cell surface antigens normally present only on embryonic cells but re-expressed in human malignant cells. Monoclonal antibodies targeting these antigens offer an avenue for cancer therapy.

The follow-up visits after a hydatidiform mole is detected are crucial because around 3% to 5% of moles develop into gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN).

The process of a single fertilized egg dividing into a hollow ball of cells, forming an inner cell mass and an outer layer. This stage is critical for preparing the embryo for implantation.

The inner cell mass of the blastocyst develops into the embryo, while the outer layer becomes the trophoblast, which helps with implantation and forms part of the placenta.

The process where the blastocyst adheres to the uterine wall, initiating a complex sequence of events leading to the development of the placenta and embryo.

This refers to the three primary germ layers of the developing embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm, each giving rise to distinct structures and tissues in the body.

The outermost germ layer, responsible for developing into the skin, nervous system, and sensory organs.

The middle germ layer, responsible for developing into muscles, bones, blood, and the circulatory system.

The innermost germ layer, responsible for developing into the lining of the digestive tract, respiratory system, and other internal organs.

The process starting from the first few weeks after fertilization to the development of the embryo's body plan and organ systems, involving critical processes like gastrulation and neurulation.

This refers to the process of cells migrating and rearranging to form the three germ layers: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm.

This refers to the formation of the neural tube, a critical structure that eventually forms the brain and spinal cord.

The process where a fertilized egg undergoes repeated cell divisions, creating smaller cells called blastomeres. Think of it as the zygote 'splitting' into smaller parts.

A hollow ball of cells formed during early embryonic development. It's crucial for implantation and further development.

The process where the blastocyst attaches itself to the lining of the uterus. This is a crucial step for pregnancy to continue.

The protective outer layer of the blastocyst that helps it implant in the uterus. It essentially acts like a shield for the developing embryo.

A condition where a fertilized egg implants outside the uterus, usually in the fallopian tube. This is a serious medical emergency.

Mitochondrial DNA is inherited from the mother. This means all your mitochondrial DNA came from your mom.

The lining of the uterus that prepares for implantation. It undergoes changes each month in preparation for a potential pregnancy.

The process of the secondary oocyte completing its second meiotic division, becoming a mature ovum. It's triggered by fertilization.