Final answer:
Enlarged ventricles in the brain indicate a risk of developing schizophrenia in an infant experiencing neglect, cognitive deprivation, and malnourishment. This condition signifies a loss of brain tissue and is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an infant who is neglected, deprived of regular cognitive stimulation, and suffers extreme malnourishment, the observation in the brain that indicates a risk of developing schizophrenia is c) Enlarged ventricles. Brain imaging studies in individuals with schizophrenia have often shown an increase in the size of the ventricles, which is an indication of a loss of brain tissue volume elsewhere. Moreover, it has been observed that environmental factors such as severe malnutrition or stress during early development can influence brain structure and function, potentially leading to conditions like schizophrenia.
Research supports the idea that a combination of genetic vulnerability and environmental stress is necessary for the development of schizophrenia. This suggests that while genes set the stage, environmental factors play a crucial role in triggering the disease in those who are genetically predisposed.