Neural Development

Neural development is the intricate and highly orchestrated process by which the nervous system is formed, grows, and wires itself, beginning in the embryo and continuing through adolescence. This complex sequence involves several key stages, including the proliferation of neural stem cells (neurogenesis), the migration of newly formed immature neurons to their final destinations in the brain, their differentiation into specific cell types, and the extension of axons and dendrites to form precise synaptic connections, creating functional neural circuits. The entire process is guided by a combination of genetic programs and environmental cues, and it is refined over time through activity-dependent mechanisms like synaptic pruning and myelination, ultimately shaping the structure and function of the mature nervous system.

1. Foundations of Neural Development
   1. Overview of the Nervous System
      1. Basic Organization Principles
      2. Central Nervous System Structure
         1. Brain Regions
            1. Forebrain
            2. Midbrain
            3. Hindbrain
         2. Spinal Cord Organization
            1. Gray Matter
            2. White Matter
            3. Segmental Structure
      3. Peripheral Nervous System Components
         1. Somatic Division
         2. Autonomic Division
            1. Sympathetic System
            2. Parasympathetic System
            3. Enteric System
      4. Cell Types in the Nervous System
         1. Neurons
            1. Morphological Classifications
            2. Functional Classifications
         2. Glial Cells
            1. Astrocytes
            2. Oligodendrocytes
            3. Microglia
            4. Ependymal Cells
   2. Fundamental Developmental Processes
      1. Neurogenesis
         1. Definition and Scope
         2. Temporal Patterns
         3. Spatial Distribution
      2. Cell Migration
         1. Radial Migration
         2. Tangential Migration
         3. Chain Migration
      3. Cell Differentiation
         1. Neuronal Specification
         2. Glial Specification
         3. Subtype Determination
      4. Axon Growth and Pathfinding
         1. Growth Cone Dynamics
         2. Guidance Mechanisms
         3. Target Recognition
      5. Synaptogenesis
         1. Synapse Formation
         2. Synaptic Maturation
         3. Activity-Dependent Refinement
      6. Myelination
         1. Oligodendrocyte Development
         2. Schwann Cell Development
         3. Myelin Assembly
      7. Programmed Cell Death
         1. Apoptosis Mechanisms
         2. Survival Factor Dependence
         3. Developmental Timing
      8. Synaptic Pruning
         1. Activity-Dependent Elimination
         2. Microglial Involvement
         3. Critical Period Regulation
   3. Model Organisms in Neural Development
      1. Selection Criteria for Model Systems
         1. Genetic Tractability
         2. Developmental Accessibility
         3. Evolutionary Conservation
      2. Invertebrate Models
         1. Caenorhabditis elegans
            1. Nervous System Architecture
            2. Cell Lineage Mapping
            3. Genetic Tools
         2. Drosophila melanogaster
            1. Embryonic Neural Development
            2. Genetic Screening Methods
            3. Behavioral Analysis
      3. Vertebrate Models
         1. Xenopus laevis
            1. Embryological Advantages
            2. Fate Mapping Techniques
            3. Gene Expression Analysis
         2. Danio rerio (Zebrafish)
            1. Optical Transparency
            2. Live Imaging Capabilities
            3. Forward Genetics
         3. Gallus gallus (Chick)
            1. In Ovo Accessibility
            2. Transplantation Experiments
            3. Neural Tube Studies
         4. Mus musculus (Mouse)
            1. Genetic Engineering
            2. Mammalian-Specific Features
            3. Behavioral Studies