Neural Prenatal Development

Type :

Research papers

Pages :

7 pages

Format :

.doc

Published date :

11/13/2007

Category :

Social studies

Sub category :

Psychology

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Summary :

Introduction
Neurogenesis and neural identity
1. The first postmitotic neurons
2. The microenvironment
Neuronal migration
Establishing connections
1. The leading edge of the axon
2. Illustrating the complexity of pathfinding
3. The molecules guiding pathway selection
Cell death
1. Apoptosis
Neuronal differentiation and neurotransmitter selection
Implications for psychiatry
Localized abnormalities
Neurodevelopmental hypothesis of schizophrenia
Neuroimaging
Neuropathology
Consequences of abnormal cytoarchitecture
Conclusion
Suggested readings

Abstract

The wonder of development is that a structure as complex as the human brain originates from a flat sheet of embryologic ectoderm. The final, formed brain shows remarkable order in its predictable cortical layering, its diversity of cortical areas, and the numerous networks linking specific cortical areas and subcortical structures. To have cells choosing to become a certain neuronal type, attaining the correct laminar position, finding the correct target, and expressing the correct neurotransmitters at first seems overwhelmingly difficult. However, the final, breathtakingly complex set of connections in the human brain depends on a series of much simpler decisions as neurons become progressively more restricted in the choices they make. These decisions require the subtle interplay of genetic and environmental factors; much has been learned at a molecular level about these processes. At first glance this information seems most relevant to mental retardation or autistic disorder, in which abnormal brain development results in lifelong disability. However, even schizophrenia is believed to originate in subtle aberrant brain development, and understanding it requires an understanding of its etiology.