Brain Development

  • Conception

    Conception
    The egg is fertilized and the process of gestation begins.
  • Neurulation begins/Neural plate forms

    Neurulation begins/Neural plate forms
    Neural plate forms, providing the basis for further brain development and beginning neurulation.
  • Neural Tube Formation

    Neural Tube Formation
    Neural Tube Forms out of Neural Plate to create the basis for the central nervous system.
  • Brain Region Formation Begins

    Brain Region Formation Begins
    Regions like the cerebellum, thalamus, cerebellum and medulla oblongata are distinct and continuing to form.
  • Neuron Migration

    Neuron Migration
    Neuron migration to their correct locations begins.
  • Structural Formation

    Structural Formation
    Regions start forming the complex brain structures.
  • Synaptic Pruning Begins

    Synaptic Pruning Begins
    Neurons are removed based on the functionality necessities of each region.
  • Myelination Beings

    Myelination Beings
    Brain begins to grow and fold.
  • Birth, Sensory

    Birth, Sensory
    Sensory regions of the brain are activated and synaptic pruning begins in these areas.
  • Socio-Emotional Increase

    Socio-Emotional Increase
    Areas responsible for social and emotional connections increase in size, density and complexity.
  • 50% of Adult Size

    50% of Adult Size
    At age one the brain reaches 50% of the adult size.
  • High Synapse Count

    High Synapse Count
    Each neuron has roughly 14,000 synapses.
  • Brain Reaches 75% of Adult Size

    Brain Reaches 75% of Adult Size
    At age 2, the brain has reached 75% of the final adult size.