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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Timeline of human brain development}}<br />
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== Human Brain Development Timeline ==<br />
[[File:Human_Brain_Development_Timeline.jpg|Human brain development timeline|thumb|right]]<br />
The development of the [[human brain]] is a complex process that begins in the early stages of [[embryogenesis]] and continues into adulthood. This timeline outlines the key stages and milestones in the development of the human brain, highlighting the intricate processes that contribute to the formation of the central nervous system.<br />
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=== Embryonic Development ===<br />
The development of the human brain begins shortly after [[fertilization]]. During the first few weeks of [[gestation]], the [[neural tube]] forms, which will eventually give rise to the central nervous system, including the brain and [[spinal cord]].<br />
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* '''Week 3-4:''' The neural plate forms and folds to create the neural tube. This is a critical period where the basic structure of the brain begins to take shape.<br />
* '''Week 5:''' The three primary brain vesicles form: the [[prosencephalon]] (forebrain), [[mesencephalon]] (midbrain), and [[rhombencephalon]] (hindbrain).<br />
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=== Fetal Development ===<br />
As the embryo develops into a fetus, the brain undergoes significant growth and differentiation.<br />
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* '''Week 8-10:''' The cerebral hemispheres begin to form, and the brain starts to take on a more recognizable shape.<br />
* '''Week 12:''' The basic structure of the brain is established, and the [[cerebral cortex]] begins to develop.<br />
* '''Week 20:''' The brain's surface starts to fold, forming the characteristic [[gyri]] and [[sulci]].<br />
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=== Late Fetal Development ===<br />
During the later stages of fetal development, the brain continues to grow and mature.<br />
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* '''Week 24:''' The brain is capable of some degree of [[neuroplasticity]], and the [[cerebellum]] begins to develop more fully.<br />
* '''Week 28:''' The brain's [[white matter]] increases, and the [[cerebral cortex]] becomes more complex.<br />
* '''Week 32:''' The brain's growth accelerates, and the [[thalamus]] and [[hypothalamus]] become more defined.<br />
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=== Postnatal Development ===<br />
After birth, the human brain continues to develop rapidly, particularly during the first few years of life.<br />
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* '''Birth to 2 years:''' The brain undergoes rapid growth, with significant increases in [[synaptic density]] and [[myelination]].<br />
* '''2 to 6 years:''' The brain's [[prefrontal cortex]] develops, enhancing cognitive functions such as [[attention]] and [[memory]].<br />
* '''6 to 12 years:''' The brain continues to mature, with improvements in [[executive function]] and [[problem-solving]] abilities.<br />
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=== Adolescent Development ===<br />
During adolescence, the brain undergoes further changes, particularly in the prefrontal cortex.<br />
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* '''12 to 18 years:''' The brain's [[gray matter]] peaks and then begins to decrease as [[synaptic pruning]] occurs, refining neural connections.<br />
* '''18 to 25 years:''' The prefrontal cortex continues to mature, improving [[decision-making]] and [[impulse control]].<br />
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== Related Pages ==<br />
* [[Neurodevelopmental disorder]]<br />
* [[Neurogenesis]]<br />
* [[Neuroplasticity]]<br />
* [[Cognitive development]]<br />
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[[Category:Developmental neuroscience]]<br />
[[Category:Human brain]]<br />
[[Category:Human development]]</div>Prab