Full highlighted lecture notes on Introduction to Developmental Cognitive Neuropsychology. Includes brain development, atypical development, models of development.
INTRODUCTION TO DEVELOPMENTAL
COGNITIVE NEUROPSYCHOLOGY
BRAIN DEVELOPMENT
NEUROLATION
EMBRYO
- Genes from both parents set out the plan for development
- After conception, the fertilised cell undergoes a process of rapid cell division, the resulting cells
forming a blastocyst
- These cells have the potential to become any part of the developing body (Pluripotent stem cells)
- Within a few days, a 3 layer structure is formed: ectoderm (nervous system and skin surface),
mesoderm (skeletal and muscular ) and endoderm (internal organs)
- Brain is on the outside - problem
- At 3-4 weeks, a proportion of the ectoderm folds in on itself to create the neural tube, then the other
layers form around it
- Neurolation = making the tube
- One end of the neural tube becomes the cerebral cortex
- The other end becomes the spinal cord
- The neural tube divides into 3 parts - forebrain, midbrain, hindbrain
- These each bulge and grow and reshape
- Lots of neurons are formed in neat layers
, CELL PROFILATION & MIGRATION (2 MONTHS - BIRTH)
PROFILERATION
- Cells are born - split off from other cells
- 24 - 125 embryonic days (4 weeks- 4 months)
- Most cells are born in zones close to the hollows of the neural tube (the hollows will later become
the brain ventricles)
- Stem cells Neuroblasts (neurons) / Glioblasts (glial cells - forming outer space around neurons and
cells forming myelin around the axon of the neurons)
- Common belief that no new neurons are produced in the postnatal period - but a few exceptions
(hippocampus, olfactory bulb)
- If something goes wrong at this stage there are consequences later
MIGRATION
- 40 - 60 embroynic days - 1 ½ - 6 months
- Cells move to the final destination via either passive displacement or active displacement
- Passive: older cells are pushed away by newer cells and stack up in order. E.g. thalamus, parts of the
hippocampus, parts of the brain stem
- Active: newer cells overtake old cells - so opposite order. E.g. cortex and some subcortical areas
- Delicate process - can go wrong - big consequences
CONTINUED GROWTH
- Once neurons have reached their final destination: axon growth, dendrites arborisation, start of cell
communication
- Starts at about 4 months and continues till birth
- Incredibly complex
ERRORS IN PRENATAL DEVELOPMENT
Genes - most prenatal development is determined by genes
Errors in genes will cause errors in development
Environment
- Foetal alcohol syndrome
- Low folic acid could cause the neural tube not to close - causing spinal bifida,
- Sodium valproate (drug to treat epilepsy) could cause risk of autism / low IQ if used in pregnancy
- Hormone levels - stress / testosterone could cause subtle changes in development, but hazy
POST NATAL DEVELOPMENT
MYELINATION
- Myelin is a fatty substance produced by the glial cells that cover the axons of neurons
- Rapid development in the first 3 years but continuing at a slower pace into the second decade
- Important - offers insulation, speeds conduction velocity (within cell communication is electrical -
action potential, will affect speed of information processing )
SYNAPTOGENSIS
- Growing synapses
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller zoemoon. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $4.00. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
