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Conception - Embryonic Period
It has been 3-7 weeks since his conception. The first neurons and synapses have began to develop in the spinal cord.
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Differentiation (3-4 weeks after conception)
Neural connections and synapses grow rapidly! Information via PowerPoint -
Second Trimester (13-26 weeks) - Growth begins
Gyri and sulci (bumps and indentations on brain) begin to appear on his brain’s surface. The cerebral cortex is growing in complexity. Synapse formation is beginning. Myelin growth begins (myelination). Urbanchildinstitute -
Migration - (12-24th weeks)
His brand new neurons move towards their designated positions via specialized glial fibers. Information via PowerPoint -
Third Trimester (27th week - birth)
Cerebral cortex begins to strengthen in support of reflexes such as fetal breathing and responses to external stimuli.
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Birth
He has been born with 100 billion neurons. These neurons are connected by 50 trillion synapses. At birth, the neurons have an average of 2,500 synaptic connections.
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Brain Growth Milestone
His brain has reached 25% of the size it will when he is an adult.
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3 Months Mark
Significant growth has been made in the hippocampus and the limbic structure. Such processes have primed efficient memory recognition. Urbanchildinstitute -
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One Year Mark
There has been great prenatal brain development! His cerebellum has tripled in size and the visual cortex continues to grow rapidly. This is a very important time in for the growth of senses. Growth in the frontal and temporal lobes have caused their consolidation; circuits for language are primed. Urbanchildinstitute -
Brain Growth Update
He is now one year old and his brain has reached 50% of what it will in his adulthood.
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Brain Growth Slows Down
The synaptic density of his brain has been reduced to half. He now harbors approximately 80% of the size of his adult brain. Coverthree Neurologicexam -
Two Year Mark
There has been a major increase in the rate of myelination. This assists the brain in perform more trying tasks. This allows for the sufficient processing of his intentions, emotions, and language. Urbanchildinstitute