Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 1, 2026
10:09
Isolation and Cultivation of Neural Progenitors Followed by Chromatin-Immunoprecipitation of Histone 3 Lysine 79 Dimethylation Mark
Published on: January 26, 2018
Development of the equine brain motor system.
1Department of Anatomy and Histology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Szent István University, Budapest, Hungary.
Neurobiology (Budapest, Hungary)
|February 7, 2002
Summary
Horse brain development shows rapid myelin and Nissl substance growth until 45 days post-birth, crucial for coordinated locomotion. Brain size doubles later, indicating distinct maturation phases.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Comparative Anatomy
Background:
- Coordinated locomotion is vital for equine survival and function.
- Understanding equine brain maturation is key to developmental neuroscience.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the structural maturation of the equine brain during the critical period of coordinated locomotion development.
- To correlate brain structural changes with the onset of motor function in horses.
Main Methods:
- Equine brains were collected from prenatal to adult stages.
- Tissue processing included fixation, paraffin embedding, and staining (Nissl, Haidenhain's).
- Computer-aided image analysis was used for digitized histological sections.
Main Results:
- No significant brain size/mass increase in the perinatal period.
- Rapid growth of Nissl substance and myelin until postnatal day 45.
- Relative decrease in Nissl substance/myelin post-day 45, with brain size/mass doubling by adulthood.
Conclusions:
- Decisive motor system changes, including protein synthesis and myelination, occur during the critical period for coordinated locomotion onset.
- Equine brain maturation involves distinct phases of biochemical/structural development and overall growth.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Neurulation
Neurulation is the embryological process which forms the precursors of the central nervous system and occurs after gastrulation has established the three primary cell layers of the embryo: ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. In humans, the majority of this system is formed via primary neurulation, in which the central portion of the ectoderm—originally appearing as a flat sheet of cells—folds upwards and inwards, sealing off to form a hollow neural tube. As development proceeds, the anterior...
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
01:19Brainstem
The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...
01:18Hierarchy of Motor Control
The hierarchy of motor control refers to the different levels of organization and processing involved in controlling movement in the body. These levels range from higher cortical areas involved in planning and decision-making to lower spinal cord reflexes that respond automatically to external stimuli.
01:22Indirect Motor Pathways
The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...
01:31Organization of the Brain
The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...