Question

32. Explain how pruning can increase brain potential.

Answer 1

Synaptic pruning is defined as the process by which extra neurons & synaptic connections are eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions.

In the beginning in the initial embryonic stage & lasting until approximately two years of age, new neurons and synapses are formed at an amazing rate, at times reaching 40,000 new synapses formed per second At the end of this process individuals are left with far more neurons & synapses than are functionally needed .. The entire process continues up until approx 10 years of age by which time nearly half of the synapses present at two years of age have been eliminated.The pattern and timeline pruning follows varies based on brain region. Again the process is intended to increase the efficiency of the neurological system.

The brain development takes place in steps ie from the most basic functions to the complex ones. The interaction of genetic inheritance &environment determines how the brain will develop.

There are five main processes that make up brain development.Some of these processes begin before birth, since the prenatal period. Most are not complete until late adolescence.

Neurogenesis is the process of forming neurons. This is the first process to occur in brain development, & is completed before a baby is born.

Neural migration is the process of organizing the brain by moving neurons to specific areas based on the functions these cells will perform. Migration begins prenatally, but continues for at least 8 to 10 months after a baby is born.

Myelination is the process of coating the axon of each neuron with a fatty coating called myelin, which protects the neuron and helps it conduct signals more efficiently. Myelination begins in the brain stem & cerebellum before birth, but is not completed in the frontal cortex until late in adolescence. Breast feeding contributes to rapid myelination in the brain.

Synaptogenesis is the process of forming networks of connections in the brain. Synapses begin forming prenatally, but the process continues throughout life.

Pruning is the process of weeding out unnecessary connections and strengthening the important ones, based on the child's experiences. Some pruning begins very early in development, but the most rapid pruning happens between about age 3 and age 16. Different areas of the brain undergo pruning during different sensitive periods.