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During neurulation, the embryo is organized into a three-layered, spherical structure. A neural plate is created after cells thicken within the spherical structure. The neural plate forms a neural tube, forming the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. The neural tube soon becomes a three-vesicle structure, forming into a five-vesicle structure. -
During this time, there is an overproduction of neurons. Therefore, infants will have more brain cells than adults. The process of apoptosis will kill off extra cells to balance what is needed. Apoptosis will be in process until cell count is at adult level, which is genetically controlled.
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After the neural tube is created in the neurulation time period, cells within the ventricular zone grow at a rapid rate. Soon, it creates a second zone, called the marginal zone. -
The creation of the brain begins inside to out in a pattern called radial migration. This process starts at the ventricular zone and into the intermediate zone, finally ending on the outside of the brain. All six layers of cortex will be formed 25 weeks after conception. -
Synapse pruning occurs to balance the overproduction of synapses. The pruning stage is experience-driven and not genetically influenced. Brain parts that require less brain function will finish pruning quicker than areas with more cognitive function. The process of overproduction and pruning of synapses is critical in the development of adaptivity within the child.
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The first synapse between two brain cells is often created by the 23rd week of gestation. The ending of the synapse production varies as each structure of the brain peaks at different times. -
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Stage lasts from birth until around two years old. During this time, babies learn to use their senses and how to implement them in their environment. -
Reflexive acts of the baby first emerge. Example: flinching or moving from tickling. -
Infants discover pleasurable movements with their bodies. The first intentional movement of the body, such as the legs and fingers occurs. In addition, infants will do actions with an object, such as shaking a bell to hear the satisfaction of the ring. -
Infants start to show interest in objects. In addition, they can know the function of objects and use it to attain a goal. If something is in the way of where they are trying to go, they will move it out of the way. First stages of problem solving. -
Adapting with their ability to problem solve and match their surroundings. Putting a circle in a circle slot, a triangle in a triangle slot. -
Infants can visualize something that is not present in front of them. This is the start of object permanence, which is the next stage in mental development. -