Annales 77.2 - Young Brain Big Appetite

The first few years of life represent one of the most dynamic and critical time periods in brain development. By the age of 2, brain volume reaches about 80% of the adult brain volume. In addition to the rapid increase in brain size, critical brain functions also emerge during the first years of life and continue to mature into adulthood. While the “young brain” is relatively small when compared to the body, it has a “big appetite” for food, learning and sleep.  The chapters included in this volume provide some insights into the complex cellular processes and the neural substrates underpinning the highly dynamic processes of early brain development.