1. Option A.1
Neural Development

2. Development of Neural tube
Neurulation
Creation of neural tube and crest cells
Occurs in the first 4 weeks of gestation in humans
Ectoderm infolding and separation on dorsal side of organism to create primitive spinal cord
Neural tube elongates from middle of spinal cord toward Cranial and caudal regions.

4. Neurulation Video!

5. Neural Tube
Neural Tube is the basis for the spinal cord, vertebral column. and central nervous system
Includes brain spinal cord
Also is the basis for the Peripheral Nervous System (Both Sensory and Motor)

6. Spina bifida Incomplete closure of embryonic neural tube
Results in an incomplete vertebra
Usually occurs in lower vertebra of back

7. Spina bifida

8. Development of Neurons
The cells within the neural tube are very simple
Cell body, cytoplasm, nucleus
Chemical stimuli will cause neuron differentiation-
Axon will start forming from the cell body
Dendrites will also start forming

9. Axon growth and development
Axons continue to grow even extending out of the spinal cord (CNS)
These axons begin forming the PNS
Damage to Axons
As long as the cell body is not damaged outside of the CNS the axon is able to regrow
Differing growth rates depending on location of nerve
As rapid as 5mm/day
Recovery depends on re-establishment of connections.

10. Synapses
Most neurological synapses involve many axons on a post synaptic cell
Synapses can continue to be formed throughout all stages of life
If a synapse is used a chemical marker is left in the cleft to cause the synapse to be strengthened in future uses
If a synapse is not used for an extended period of time the synapse will become weaker and eventually eliminated
Neural Pruning
“Use it or lose it”

11. Neural Plasticity
Creation and destruction of axons and synapses to reorganize/rewire neural connections.
Plasticity of the brain is much more prominent in young children (6 and under) but continues throughout life.
Important in treating TBI, stroke, etc.
Also used in remembering information/memories
Lumosity?

12. Improve neural plasticity
1. Physical Exercise (up to 80% of the issue)
2. Memory Training exercises/games
3. Meditation
4. Omega-3