Developmental Timeline

The development of an individual is the result of maturation of the nervous system and psychological reactions, which in turn is determined through genetics and environmental factors. The study of an individual and his environment is summarized under the biopsychosocial model. A better understanding of human psychological, cognitive and moral development is largely dedicated to the efforts of Erik Erikson, Jean Piaget, and Lawrence Kohlberg.

Brain and Nervous System Development

Neurologic development begins in the third week of intrauterine life, marked by the development of a neural plate on the ectodermal surface. In folding of this plate produces a neural tube, which is destined to be the future Central Nervous System, and a neural crest, which forms the peripheral nervous system. Neuroectodermal cells differentiate into neurons. The forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain are evident by the fifth week, during which, the dorsal and ventral horns of the spinal cord...
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