GLOSSARY

Neurodevelopment is the process of formation, growth, and maturation of the nervous system from the embryonic period to early adulthood, guided by genetics and environment (nutrition, stimulation, experience, and exercise).

Main Stages

• Embryonic: neural tube formation (weeks 3–4) and neuron proliferation and migration.
• Differentiation and growth of axons and dendrites.
• Synaptogenesis: overproduction of synapses in early childhood.
• Synaptic pruning: elimination of little-used synapses (“use it or lose it”), especially in adolescence.
• Myelination: from the back to the front of the brain, with the prefrontal cortex last (until about age 25).

Sensitive Periods

Time windows when the brain is more sensitive to specific experiences (such as vision, language, and some motor skills).

Clinical Application