Donald School Journal of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology

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VOLUME 2 , ISSUE 3 ( July-September, 2008 ) > List of Articles

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Maturation of Cerebral Connections and Fetal Behavior

Milos Judas, Ivica Kostovic

Citation Information : Judas M, Kostovic I. Maturation of Cerebral Connections and Fetal Behavior. Donald School J Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2008; 2 (3):80-86.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10009-1068

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 01-09-2009

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2008; The Author(s).


Abstract

Modern imaging methods enabled systematic studies of fetal behaviour as well as a continuation of that behaviour in prematurely born infants (for a review, see 1-4). The following question represents a great challenge for human developmental neurobiologist: what is the neurobiological basis of various behavioural patterns observed in human fetuses and preterm infants?2 First of all, it is essential to determine whether there is an early spontaneous (nonsensory- driven) activity and to what extent the cerebrum and the cerebral cortex may be involved. In addition, it is necessary to describe for each successive phase, the developmental status of neuronal circuitry and synaptic organization.

In this review, we present evidence on the development of cortical connections during different phases of fetal development and evaluate a possible functional significance of cerebral involvement.


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