Developmental Neurobiology

Developmental neurobiology is the study of how the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, develops from early stages of fetal growth through childhood. It explores how nerve cells (neurons) form, grow, connect, and organize into complex networks that enable thinking, sensation, movement, and behavior. This field investigates the cellular and molecular processes guiding neural development, how these processes are regulated, and what can go wrong, leading to neurological disorders. Understanding neurodevelopment helps scientists find ways to promote healthy brain growth and address developmental disorders.