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The sperm meets the egg, forming what is known as a zygote. -
Most structural features of the brain appear during this period. Most importantly, the formation of the neural tube occurs. This happens when the neural plate folds over itself several times, forming a tube. The neural tube eventually turns into the brain and spinal cord. The first neurons are also produce around this time. -
Myelin begins to appear on the axons of some neurons during the second trimester. This process continues through adolescence. Myelination allows for faster processing of information -
Fifteen million neurons are born per hour then migrate to their final position. -
The initial weeks of the third trimester mark a crucial phase in fetal development, characterized by the cerebral cortex gradually taking on numerous functions previously managed by the brainstem. Notably, reflexes like fetal breathing and reactions to external stimuli become more consistent during this period. Additionally, the cerebral cortex plays a role in facilitating early learning, a process that initiates around this juncture. -
At birth, the brain is about one quarter of the size of an adult brain. Now begins a period of huge brain growth. Babies are born with 100 billion neurons connected by 50 trillion synapses. A neuron has an average of 2,500 synaptic connections at birth -
Babies are born with 100 billion neurons connected by 50 trillion synapses. A neuron has an average of 2,500 synaptic connections at birth.
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The cerebellum triples in size, which appears to be related to the rapid development of motor skills that occurs during this period. As the visual areas of the cortex grow, the infant’s initially dim and limited sight develops into full binocular vision. -
The cerebellum triples in size, which appears to be related to the rapid development of motor skills that occurs during this period. As the visual areas of the cortex grow, the infant’s initially dim and limited sight develops into full binocular vision.
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Around three months, an infant's recognition skills surge, coinciding with significant growth in the hippocampus, linked to recognition memory. In the first year, language circuits consolidate in the frontal and temporal lobes, shaped by the language the infant hears. Initially, a baby in an English-speaking home can distinguish foreign language sounds, but by the end of the first year, the brain becomes wired for the language spoken at home. -
Around three months, an infant's recognition skills surge, coinciding with significant growth in the hippocampus, linked to recognition memory. In the first year, language circuits consolidate in the frontal and temporal lobes, shaped by the language the infant hears. Initially, a baby in an English-speaking home can distinguish foreign language sounds, but by the end of the first year, the brain becomes wired for the language spoken at home.
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The most notable transformations during year two year revolve around the brain's language areas, where increased synapse development and enhanced interconnectivity are taking place. These alterations align with the rapid surge in children's language skills, often referred to as the "vocabulary explosion," a phenomenon commonly observed during this timeframe. It's not uncommon for a child's vocabulary to quadruple between their first and second birthday. -
In the second year, there's a significant acceleration in myelination, enhancing the brain's capacity for more intricate tasks. Higher-order cognitive skills, including self-awareness, start to emerge. The infant becomes more attuned to his own emotions and intentions. When he gazes into a mirror, he now unmistakably acknowledges his own reflection. In the near future, he'll commence using his name along with personal pronouns such as "I" and "me."