This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

9.14 Brain Structure and its Origins

As taught in: Spring 2005

Dorsal view drawing of embryonic central nervous system.

Recently evolved long sensory and motor pathways in the mammalian brain. Dorsal view of embryonic central nervous system. (Image by Prof. Gerald Schneider.)

Level:

Undergraduate

Instructors:

Prof. Gerald Schneider

Course Features

Course Description

This course covers major CNS structures with emphasis on systems being used as models for experimental studies of development and plasticity. Topics include basic patterns of connections in CNS, embryogenesis, PNS anatomy and development, process outgrowth and synaptogenesis, growth factors and cell survival, spinal and hindbrain anatomy, and development of regional specificity with an introduction to comparative anatomy and CNS evolution. A review of lab techniques (anatomy, tissue culture) is also covered as well as the trigeminal system, retinotectal system development, plasticity, regeneration, neocortex anatomy and development, the olfactory system, corpus striatum, brain transplants, the limbic system and hippocampal anatomy and plasticity.

Technical Requirements

Special software is required to use some of the files in this course: .rm.