Neural development

Nature of science:

Use models as representations of the real world—developmental neuroscience uses a variety of animal models. (1.10)

• The neural tube of embryonic chordates is formed by infolding of ectoderm followed by elongation of the tube.
• Neurons are initially produced by differentiation in the neural tube.
• Immature neurons migrate to a final location.
• An axon grows from each immature neuron in response to chemical stimuli.
• Some axons extend beyond the neural tube to reach other parts of the body.
• A developing neuron forms multiple synapses.
• Synapses that are not used do not persist.
• Neural pruning involves the loss of unused neurons.
• The plasticity of the nervous system allows it to change with experience.

Applications and skills:

• Application: Incomplete closure of the embryonic neural tube can cause spina bifida.
• Application: Events such as strokes may promote reorganization of brain function.
• Skill: Annotation of a diagram of embryonic tissues in Xenopus, used as an animal model, during neurulation.

• Cultural experiences, including the acquisition of a language, results in neural pruning

. Utilization:

• Research into the growth of nerve tissue for regeneration of tissue for spinal cord injury patients is progressing.
  • Syllabus and cross-curricular links:
  • Biology
  • Topic 6.5 Neurons and synapses

• Terminology relating to embryonic brain areas or nervous system divisions is not required.