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Conception
-Fertilization of the egg by sperm initiates formation of zygote
-Zygote undergoes early cell divisions, forming a blastocyst
-Cellular differentiation begins, cells take on specialized roles -
Neural Tube Formation (Weeks 3-4)
-Neural tube develops, lays foundation for central nervous system
-Rapid cell division leads to formation of neural stem cells
-Early formation of neural crest contributes to development of peripheral nervous system -
Formation of Basic Brain Structures (Week 8)
-Forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain begin to differentiate
-Early structures like cerebral cortex and brainstem emerge -Formation of neural tube allows spinal cord to be fully formed -
Neurogenesis/Neuronal Migration (Weeks 8-24)
-Neurogenesis occurs (formation of neurons)
-Neurons migrate to specific regions, establishing basic brain structure
-Formation of sub-ventricular zone and ventricular zone, plays crucial role in neurogenesis -
Myelination (Second Trimester)
-Gyri and sulci begin to appear on the brain’s surface
-Myelin (fatty substance) begins to coat nerve fibers
-Myelination enhances speed and efficiency of neural signal transmission (continues through adolescence) -
Transitional Period (Third Trimester)
-Cerebral cortex takes on responsibilities previously done by brainstem
-Reflexes like fetal breathing and responses to external stimuli become more regular
-Cerebral cortex also supports early learning which is developing around this time -
Birth (About 9 Months After Conception)
-Baby is born with fully formed but immature brain
-Adaptation to external environment begins
-Fontanelles (soft spots on the baby's skull) allow for flexibility during the birthing process -
Sensory Development (Birth to 6 Months)
-Sensory pathways for hearing, vision, touch, taste, and smell mature
-Newborn reflexes and responses to stimuli emerge
-Sensory organs, like eyes and ears, develop and contribute to sensory processing/pathways -
Cognitive Development (Birth to 6 Months Aswell)
-Cognitive skills like object permanence and problem solving develop
-Critical periods for language and social development
-Hippocampus (essential for long term memory formation) undergoes rapid development -
Motor Skills Development (6-18 Months)
-Motor cortex development which leads to gross (physical) motor skills
-Fine motor skills, like grasping objects, develop
-Cerebellum (responsible for coordination and balance) undergoes significant growth -
Language Acquisition (12-18 Months)
-Baby begins to understand and respond to simple words
-Expressive language skills, like babbling, become more pronounced.
-Broca's area (involved in language production) undergoes refinement -
Social and Emotional Development (18-24 Months)
-Formation of social bonds with parents/close relations
-Recognition of emotions in others and development of empathy emerge
-Limbic system structures develop, like amygdala, contribute to emotional regulation -
Synaptic Pruning + Video (Continues Through Age 2)
-Synaptic pruning (removal of neurons and synapses to improve efficiency)
-Unnecessary synapses are eliminated, optimizing neural network for efficient functioning
-Prefrontal cortex (crucial for executive functions) matures Youtube -
