Question

Neurons involved in brain development continue to change after a baby is born. Which of the following is TRUE about the changes that occur during the first year of life?

A. The process of myelination stops after the first 6 weeks after birth
B. Connectivity in motor neurons decreases during the first year of life
C. Unused synaptic connections are pruned during the first year of life
D. It is unclear if neuron development continues during the first year of life

Answer 1

Unused synaptic connections, known as synaptic pruning, are pruned during the first year of life. This helps in the efficient organization of the brain's neural networks.

Step-by-step explanation:

The changes that occur in the brain during the first year of life include the process of synaptic pruning, where unused synaptic connections are eliminated to increase the efficiency of neuronal networks. This is contrary to the belief that the process of myelination stops after the first 6 weeks after birth, or that connectivity in motor neurons decreases during the first year of life. In fact, neurodevelopment continues throughout early childhood and into adolescence, allowing for significant cognitive and motor development.