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Conception
Sperm cells from the male meet with egg cells in the female and the development of a baby begins -
Period: to
Neurogenesis
The brain produces copious amounts of nerve cells. This process begins at birth and continues a year or two after birth. -
Differentiation
3 weeks after egg fertilization, the process of cellular differentiation begins. Synapses form very rapidly as well. The connection between neurons begin and cells that originally had no function begin to become specialized. During this process, specific genes start to show themselves and cells develop unique abilities that suits their specialized functions. [LibreTexts Biology] https://bio.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_and_General -
Synaptogenesis
5 weeks after conception, the brain starts the process of synaptogenesis. This is where synapses are formed which allows for the translation of information between different neurons. -
Early formation of brain
About 4-5 weeks after conception, the brain begins to form at the end of a short neural tube which is vital for brain and spinal cord development -
separate sections of the brain form
A week or two after the brain begins forming, the neural groove closes and three distinct parts of the brain begin forming. The hindbrain, midbrain, and the forebrain begin to take shape as well as all the components that make up those areas. National library of medicine -
Migration
9 weeks after conception, the process of migration begins. Neurons move across the glial fibers in the brain towards their correct location which is necessary for nervous system function. Once there, dendritic growth begins which increases brain activity and allows for the components of the brain to start functioning. -
Chest muscles, diaphragm, and overall movement
Approximately 4 months after conception the brain gains the ability to move and contract chest muscles as well as the diaphragm. So called "practice breaths" as well as swallowing are produced by the brain. In addition, the brain as well as the cerebellum allow for a full range of fetal movements such as kicking and stretching. [Flo.Health] https://flo.health/pregnancy/pregnancy-health/fetal-development/fetal-brain-development -
pruning
Pruning begins about 8 months after conception. As the brain continues to develop, the overabundance of synapses are no longer needed. The brain begins to remove the unneeded synapses and neuron connections. Pruning is the brains way of maintaining efficiency. -
Birth
9 months after conception is about the time when the baby is born. By this time the nervous system (brain stem and spinal cord) are well developed. However, areas such as the limbic system and cerebral cortex are still unfinished -
Major Brain Developments
About 4-6 months after birth major developments occur. The left side of the brain, or the more logical side, begins to communicate with the right or more creative side. Also, the brain begins to develop small movements in preparation for the crawling phase. -
Memory and Emotions
8-9 months after birth babies endure a "growth spurt" in the brain. The brains memory and ability to retain information greatly increase. Also at this time, babies begin to form attachments to their favorite people or things. The brain is able to differentiate between different people and is able to understand preferences and favorites. -
Vision and Problem Solving
10 months after birth, a babies occipital lobe as well as their vision is almost as developed as an adults. The brain can better recognize shapes, colors, and people. Also at this time, the brain is focused on problem solving and the baby uses its newly formed mobility to attack challenges. [Cow&Gate] https://www.cgbabyclub.co.uk/baby/months/10-12-months/your-babys-brain-development-10-12-months -
1 year after birth
By the 1 year mark after birth, the brain has doubled in size. Also, the brain has created almost all of the neurons the baby will have for life. Also, the brains language ability has greatly increased. By age 1, the brain can typically understand around 70 words. Also, although it is very limited, the brain can begin to produce speech. -
Walking
At approximately 15 months after birth, babies are able to walk for the most part. The cerebellum is mostly developed and allows the baby to use its legs for mobility instead of crawling. -
18 months -- Brain developments -- Language
At 18 months, early development of the brain begins to slow. No new neurons are added to the brain and the migration of existing neurons is mostly complete. However, pruning of excess connections still occurs. Also at 18 months, the child starts to become independent and their language abilities greatly increase. The brain is able to produce speech and learns about one new word every two hours they are awake. -
Age 2
By the age of 2, the brain has developed to nearly 75% of the weight of an adults brain. Also at age 2, synaptic density has reduced by half. The brains thinking and reasoning skills are well developed by this point as well. -
Interactive Media
"How baby brains develop"
[YouTube] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R0fiu2S0_3M