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Related Concept Videos

Neurulation01:30

Neurulation

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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...
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The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in our body. It is organized into two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
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In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
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Nervous System01:21

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The nervous system coordinates body functions through its complex network of nerve cells, enabling sensation and movement. It is divided into two primary parts: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). The CNS is composed of the brain and the spinal cord. The brain acts as the body's control center, processing sensory information and coordinating responses. The spinal cord functions as a major signaling pathway for the brain and the rest of the body.
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Functions of the Nervous System01:18

Functions of the Nervous System

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The nervous system is responsible for coordinating and regulating the body's functions. It functions through three main processes: sensory, integrative, and motor processes. Sensory function involves the detection and transmission of information about internal and external stimuli from sensory receptors to the CNS. The CNS processes this information through an integrative function, where it interprets and makes decisions based on the incoming sensory information. Finally, the motor function...
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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jan 18, 2026

The Mouse Hindbrain As a Model for Studying Embryonic Neurogenesis
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Events in Early Nervous System Evolution.

Michael G Paulin1, Joseph Cahill-Lane2

  • 1Department of Zoology, University of Otago.

Topics in Cognitive Science
|September 30, 2019
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Neurons and nervous systems likely originated in the Ediacaran period from microbe-eating animals. These early nervous systems may have evolved from epithelial cells to detect bioelectric fields and trigger movement.

Keywords:
DickinsoniaTrichoplaxBayesian brainCambrianCerebellar-like circuitsEdiacaranElectroreceptionMicrobiomeSpiking neurons

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Stem cell-like Xenopus Embryonic Explants to Study Early Neural Developmental Features In Vitro and In Vivo
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Area of Science:

  • Evolutionary Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Paleontology

Background:

  • The origin of neurons and nervous systems is a fundamental question in evolutionary biology.
  • Understanding early nervous system evolution provides insights into animal complexity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To propose a novel hypothesis for the origin of neurons and nervous systems.
  • To link early nervous system evolution to specific animal behaviors and environmental pressures.

Main Methods:

  • Hypothetical scenario based on Ediacaran period fossil evidence.
  • Comparative analysis of early animal innovations (motility, external digestion).

Main Results:

  • Neurons and nervous systems are proposed to have evolved in thin, motile, microbe-eating animals during the Ediacaran period.
  • Spiking neurons likely originated from epithelial cells specialized for detecting bioelectric fields and triggering withdrawal.
  • Nervous systems co-evolved with external digestion and motility.

Conclusions:

  • Studying the Ediacaran origin of nervous systems can explain fundamental characteristics of modern nervous systems.
  • Early nervous systems functioned as natural computers for predictive statistical inference.