Development of Neurons and

Brain: An Evolutionary
Perspective
By: Nino Tedoradze
Introduction
Origins of the Brain

The brain's origins challenge the conventional

view that the brain has always been the
control center. Antonio Damasio suggests that
the brain initially evolved to coordinate and
govern the body's organs.

Enteric neurons in rabbit

Enteric Nervous System
The enteric nervous system, known as the "second brain," manages digestion independently from the head brain. This
system likely evolved as a survival advantage, ensuring effective digestion.

Enteric neurons in rabbit 2nd brain

Cnidarian Nerve Nets

Consider cnidarians, like jellyfish, with no head brain

but a nerve net resembling our gut's nervous system.
This simple system allowed them to move and
coordinate basic digestion.

First Brain to evolve:

Decentralized nervous system coordinating
digestion and movement

Later in evolution:
Centralized nervous system, allowing for more
sophisticated coordination
Cnidarian examples
Jellyfish
Hydra
The Cellular Republic

Taylor Guthrie proposes that the

nervous system evolved as a "cellular
republic," ensuring different cell
communities' survival needs. It followed
a hierarchy of needs, starting with
physiological functions.
 Humans descended from ancestors
similar to chimpanzees, who, in turn,
descended from other mammals,
reptiles, and fish.

Comparative Brain
Evolution
Comparison
1- Cerebral Cortex
2- Cerebellum
3- Brainstem
4- Rhinencephalon
Subcortical Brain Structures

The brain can be divided into

two functional units: the
neocortex for complex thought
and the subcortical brain
regions, including the brain
stem, for basic bodily
regulation, movement
execution, and raw emotions.
 Cortical Columns and Intelligence
Cortical columns in the neocortex are crucial for intelligence. Each column models a small aspect of the
world, allowing us to understand reality. The number of cortical columns likely determines a species'
intelligence.
The Prefrontal Cortex
and Cognitive Control

The prefrontal cortex enables

cognitive control, bridging the gap
between knowledge and action. It
plays a vital role in inhibiting
impulses, making plans, and acting
based on goals and intentions.
The Prefrontal Cortex
and Cognitive Control

The prefrontal cortex is essential for

generative and flexible behavior. It
allows us to accomplish new tasks and
engage in episodic future thought, a
unique feature of human cognition.
Neocortex accounts for what makes us human (dividing line is not
always clear)
“The brain should be viewed holistically,
with no strict separation between the
cortex and the rest of the brain.”
—Mark Humphries
Sex Differences and
Evolution
Evolutionary psychology explains subtle differences in the
brains of men and women, shaped by distinct roles in ancestral
environments, such as hunting and caregiving.
Difference in body Structure influences thought
processes
Evolution and
Mental Illness
Mental illnesses, like anxiety and depression,
may be pathologic exaggerations of
beneficial traits, such as heightened alertness
and energy conservation in response to
threats.
Conclusion
Evolution of the human brain is a captivating
journey that spans millions of years.
Understanding the evolutionary history provides
insights into the traits and behaviors that make us
uniquely human.
 THANKS!
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