Postnatal Development of the CNS
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Questions and Answers

Which of these brain regions has the longest developmental period during postnatal development?

  • Motor cortex
  • Primary auditory cortex
  • Primary visual cortex
  • Prefrontal cortex (correct)
  • What is the primary event occurring during postnatal development that contributes to the doubling in brain volume?

  • Dendritic branching
  • Axonal growth
  • Neurogenesis
  • Synaptogenesis (correct)
  • Which of these developmental events is NOT considered a key contributor to the development of the CNS after birth?

  • Synaptogenesis
  • Myelination
  • Neurogenesis (correct)
  • Pruning
  • Which of the following executive functions is NOT directly associated with the development of the prefrontal cortex?

    <p>Language Processing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the relationship between myelination and functional development?

    <p>Myelination roughly parallels functional development across different brain regions. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement BEST describes the relationship between dendritic branching and neuronal migration?

    <p>Neurons that migrate to deeper cortical layers tend to develop dendrites first. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these brain regions experiences peak synaptogenesis in the first year of life?

    <p>Primary Visual Cortex (B), Primary Auditory Cortex (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    During postnatal development, what is the primary outcome of pruning or regressive changes?

    <p>Strengthening of existing synapses and refinement of neural circuits (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is NOT a known potential function of neurogenesis in adults?

    <p>Regulate blood pressure (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these factors listed is NOT considered an extrinsic factor promoting adult neurogenesis?

    <p>Hormones (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following examples, related to experience-induced cortical reorganization, is NOT correlational?

    <p>Phantom limb sensations due to somatosensory cortex reorganization (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main difference between the examples of cortical reorganization mentioned in the article about the London Taxi drivers and the Violinists, and the example of Phantom Limb Sensation?

    <p>The former examples are correlational, the latter is more direct (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following examples of cortical reorganization directly relates to the brain's ability to adapt to changes in sensory input?

    <p>Ocular dominance columns in mice: When one eye blindfolded, the other eye becomes more represented in the binocular area (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characterizes the changes in the adolescent brain during development?

    <p>Overall thinning of the cortex (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is indicated by the term 'neuronal gawkiness' in adolescents?

    <p>Physical awkwardness (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which hormone sensitivity increases in adolescents and plays a role in social bonding?

    <p>Oxytocin (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What developmental direction do changes in the adolescent brain primarily follow?

    <p>Posterior to anterior (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are adolescents more prone to risk-taking behaviors?

    <p>Overvaluation of potential rewards (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which brain structure undergoes progressive thickening during adolescence?

    <p>Corpus callosum (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What social behavior develops significantly during adolescence according to the content?

    <p>Enhanced peer competition (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What describes the adolescent period in terms of learning and experiences?

    <p>Adaptive changes and new learning (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does blindfolding both eyes have on cortical development?

    <p>It leads to cortical degeneration. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the main finding from the study by Roe et al. (1993) on ferrets?

    <p>Visual inputs reorganized the auditory cortex. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did raising barn owls with prisms affect cortical development?

    <p>It induced a shift in both visual and auditory cortex. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the significance of the study by Li et al. (2017) regarding ocular development?

    <p>It highlighted the importance of spontaneous activity for neural circuit stability. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What effect does early music training have on the auditory cortex according to Margulis et al. (2009)?

    <p>It expands the area for complex tone processing. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the implications of axonal pruning during adolescence?

    <p>It enhances both efficiency and effectiveness of neural circuits. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which neurotransmitter-related process is implicated in developmental mechanisms?

    <p>Effects of specific neurotransmitters on development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What characteristics are associated with adolescent behavior during brain development?

    <p>Increased impulsivity and sensitivity to peer influence. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does high myelination in the brain lead to?

    <p>Reduced axonal branching (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What role does the subventricular zone play in adult neurogenesis?

    <p>It generates neuroblasts that migrate to the olfactory bulb. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following statements about adult neurogenesis is true?

    <p>It occurs mainly in the olfactory bulb and dentate gyrus. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the potential function of new cells produced in the dentate gyrus?

    <p>Learning and memory (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a significant discovery made by Fernando Nottebohm in 1983?

    <p>Neurogenesis occurs in adult songbirds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why do most newly generated cells in the dentate gyrus die?

    <p>They undergo apoptosis. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How does experience-induced cortical reorganization relate to adult neuroplasticity?

    <p>It allows the brain to adapt based on new experiences. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which region is responsible for generating new granule cells in adults?

    <p>Subgranular zone (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary factor hindering a 7-12 month old infant's ability to inhibit incorrect responses in an "A not B" task?

    <p>Immature development of the prefrontal cortex (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, what task are participants asked to perform?

    <p>Categorize cards according to various criteria, with the rule changing unexpectedly. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the key outcome observed in adult monkeys with lesions in the prefrontal cortex regarding error perseveration?

    <p>They exhibit a similar level of perseverative errors as infant monkeys. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is considered a characteristic of the "use it or lose it" principle in brain development?

    <p>Neurons and synapses that are not consistently stimulated tend to weaken and disappear. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the context of early sensory deprivation, what effect is observed on the visual cortex of animals reared in darkness?

    <p>A decrease in the number of synapses and impaired visual function. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of "permissive experience" in neurodevelopment?

    <p>It sets specific timeframes within which experiences must occur for proper development. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a "sensitive period" in neurodevelopment?

    <p>A period of time marked by increased plasticity and susceptibility to environmental influence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key characteristic of a "critical period" in neurodevelopment?

    <p>A specific timeframe in which an experience must occur for it to have its full effect. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Error Perseveration

    Failure to inhibit an original, learned response that is now incorrect.

    A not B Error

    A cognitive error where infants search for an object in its original hiding place despite seeing it moved.

    Prefrontal Cortex (PFC)

    Brain region involved in planning, decision making, and inhibiting inappropriate responses.

    Wisconsin Card Sorting Test

    A test that assesses frontal lobe function by requiring participants to adapt to changing sorting rules.

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    Permissive Experience

    An experience that allows for exploration without strict guidelines.

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    Instructive Experience

    An experience that provides direct teaching and guidance.

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    Critical Period

    A specific time frame during development when certain experiences must occur for normal development.

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    Sensitive Period

    A time during development when an individual is more receptive to certain stimuli or experiences.

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    Postnatal CNS Development

    The process of brain growth and maturation after birth.

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    Synaptogenesis

    The formation of synapses between neurons, peaking after birth.

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    Dendritic Branching

    The growth of dendrites mimicking the migration pattern of neurons.

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    Myelination

    The process of forming a myelin sheath around the nerves, improving speed of transmission.

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    Prefrontal Cortex (PFC) Development

    The last brain area to mature, involved in higher cognitive functions.

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    Pruning

    The process of synaptic loss/refinement during development.

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    Working Memory

    Temporary storage used during complex tasks.

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    Executive Functions

    Cognitive processes linked to the PFC, such as control and planning.

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    Congenital Bilateral Cataracts

    Cataracts present in both eyes at birth, affecting vision development.

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    Cortical Degeneration

    Loss of neurons in the cortex due to lack of sensory experience.

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    Medial Geniculate Nucleus

    A brain region involved in auditory processing influenced by vision.

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    Visual Cortex Reorganization

    The visual cortex adapts to inputs from other senses or disruptions.

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    Prism Experiment (Barn Owls)

    Study showing how vision displacement affects sensory cortex development in owls.

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    Adolescent Risk-Taking

    Behavior characterized by high novelty-seeking and impulsivity during teenage years.

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    Axonal Pruning

    The process of removing excess neurons to increase efficiency in brain networks.

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    Neurogenesis

    The process of generating new neurons from neural stem cells, particularly in the adult brain.

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    Factors promoting neurogenesis

    Intrinsic and extrinsic factors that enhance the generation of new neurons, such as hormones and physical activity.

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    Cortical reorganization

    The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections based on experience.

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    Transit amplifying cells

    Intermediate cells that arise from stem cells and further differentiate into mature neurons.

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    Pattern separation

    The cognitive ability to distinguish between similar memories, aiding in memory accuracy.

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    Axonal Transmission

    The process by which neurons transmit signals along their axons.

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    Dendritic Pruning

    The process where unused dendrites are eliminated to increase efficiency in brain communication.

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    Synaptic Strengthening

    The process where frequently used synapses become stronger, enhancing communication between neurons.

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    Cortex Thinning

    The reduction in the thickness of the brain's cortex associated with maturation and improved brain function.

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    Corpus Callosum Thickening

    The increase in size of the corpus callosum, enhancing communication between brain hemispheres.

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    Novelty-Seeking

    The tendency of adolescents to seek new experiences as part of their development.

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    Peer Influence

    The effect that peers have on an individual's behavior, particularly during adolescence.

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    Dopamine Sensitivity

    Heightened responsiveness of the brain's reward system during adolescence due to increased dopamine.

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    Plasticity in Adolescence

    Adolescence is a period of high dendritic and synaptic remodeling, enhancing brain flexibility.

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    Adult Neurogenesis

    The process of forming new neurons in the adult brain, challenging previous beliefs about neuron production.

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    Regions of Neurogenesis

    Two main areas for new neuron production in adults are the olfactory bulb and dentate gyrus.

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    Olfactory Bulb Function

    Neurogenesis in the olfactory bulb involves the production of interneurons from neural stem cells.

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    Dentate Gyrus Growth

    The dentate gyrus undergoes neurogenesis for learning and memory function, influenced by experience.

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    Neuroblast Migration

    Neuroblasts migrate to the olfactory bulb to mature into interneurons after division in specific zones.

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    Apoptosis of New Neurons

    Most newly formed neurons in adults die through apoptosis, leading to a loss of potential new synapses.

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    Neuroplasticity in Adulthood

    Adult brains maintain considerable plasticity, allowing for ongoing learning and adaptation.

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    Study Notes

    Postnatal Development of the CNS

    • The central nervous system (CNS) continues to develop after birth, with significant changes occurring throughout childhood and adolescence.
    • Studies of CNS development use nonhuman animals and humans, prenatally and postnatally.
    • The brain doubles in volume after birth, but full maturity is not reached until late adolescence.
    • The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is the last brain region to develop fully.
    • Key postnatal brain developmental processes include synaptogenesis, myelination, dendritic branching, axonal growth, and neurogenesis.

    Timeline of Postnatal Brain Development

    • Postnatal brain development occurs in stages, with different periods of rapid and prolonged development.
    • Differentiation and growth of axons and dendrites, along with the production of synapses and neurotransmitters, are key during early stages.
    • Glial cell development and myelination follow, contributing to the speed of neural processes.
    • Axon and synapse pruning occur during prolonged development, refining neural connections.

    Key Developmental Events

    • Dendritic branching follows a pattern of migration, with deeper layers of the brain developing first.
    • Synaptogenesis peaks after birth, primarily in the primary visual and auditory cortices within the first year, with the prefrontal cortex developing later.
    • Myelination roughly parallels functional development. Sensory areas myelinate first, followed by motor areas, and finally, the prefrontal cortex in adolescence.
    • Regressive changes, or pruning, involve synaptic loss and refinement for optimizing function.

    Postnatal Development of the Prefrontal Cortex

    • Prefrontal cortex development is relatively slow, continuing into late adolescence.
    • Its development is linked to the development of higher-level cognitive executive functions, such as organization, self-monitoring, emotional control, flexible thinking, planning, prioritizing, working memory, and task initiation.

    Executive Functions of the PFC

    • Executive functions of the PFC include working memory, planning, and carrying out sequences of actions, following rules for social behaviours, and context-dependent inhibition of inappropriate responses.
    • Deficits in these executive functions can be observed in infants, such as error perseveration.
    • Error perseveration in 7–12-month-old infants, often observed in Piaget's "A not B" error, illustrates challenges in inhibiting learned responses that are no longer appropriate in a changed context.

    Diamond's Primate Studies

    • Studies using infant and adult rhesus macaques reveal that infants, but not adults, show perseverative errors.
    • Adult monkeys with prefrontal cortex lesions show similar levels of perseverative errors as infant monkeys, highlighting the PFC's role.
    • Wisconsin Card Sorting Test is used with adults to assess frontal lobe function demonstrating perseveration errors in those with frontal lobe damage.

    Experience and Neurodevelopment

    • Type of experience (permissive versus instructive) and timing (critical versus sensitive periods) influence neurodevelopment.
    • Early experiences, such as sensory deprivation or enrichment, directly influence synaptic development and brain structure and function.
    • Experience and neurodevelopment can compete. For example, blindfolding one eye can accelerate cortical degeneration in that area.

    Early Studies of Experience and Neurodevelopment

    • Neurons and synapses that remain unused may not survive.
    • Animals raised in the dark show impaired vision and fewer synapses in the visual cortex.
    • Enriched environments promote thicker cortices, more synapses, and more dendritic spines in rats.
    • Babies with congenital bilateral cataracts often show rapid improvement in vision after removal but may still have some residual deficits.

    Experience-induced Cortical Reorganization

    • Experience leads to reorganization of sensory and motor maps in the brain.
    • Examples include enlarged hand areas in musicians (violinists) and enlarged hippocampi in London taxi drivers.
    • Phantom limb sensations and ocular dominance column changes further demonstrate cortical reorganization.

    Neurogenesis in Adults

    • Neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, occurs in the adult brain in specific regions.
    • Notably the hippocampus, which is important in learning, memory, emotion regulation, and social cognition, has been shown to have neurogenesis capabilities.
    • Neurogenesis in adults is vital as it is linked to forming new memories, updating old memories, and adapting to complex environments.

    Factors Promoting Adult Neurogenesis

    • Intrinsic factors, such as hormones, injury, neurotransmitters, neurotrophins, and aging, influence adult brain neurogenesis.
    • Extrinsic factors, such as environmental enrichment, social interaction, physical activity, diet, sleep, and stress, also affect neurogenesis.
    • These factors are important in maintaining and promoting neuronal growth and adult brain plasticity.

    Neuroplasticity in Adults

    • Adult brains retain the capacity for plasticity or changes in neural pathways and connections.
    • Neuroplasticity is supported by neurogenesis and experience-induced cortical reorganization.

    Possible Mechanisms

    • Direct gene regulation; regulation of neurotrophin release; regulation of spontaneously active circuits; and effects of specific neurotransmitters on development underpin the observed changes.

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    Description

    Explore the intricate stages of postnatal brain development, focusing on the central nervous system's growth after birth. This quiz delves into significant processes such as synaptogenesis and myelination, detailing the timeline of brain maturation through childhood to adolescence.

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