Final answer:
Brain development during adolescence starts at the back of the brain in sensory regions and progresses to the front, particularly the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher cognitive functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Brain development in adolescence begins first in the back of the brain in the regions that are largely responsible for sensory functioning and proceeds towards the front to the prefrontal cortex, where decision making, problem solving, and thought occur. The initial brain development stage starts from the sensory cortical areas located in the occipital, temporal, and parietal lobes, which are involved primarily with sensory input and processing. The development continues towards the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for higher-level cognitive processes, like executive functions, working memory, and attention control, which are essential for goal-directed behaviors. The frontal lobes grow rapidly during early childhood and continue to mature into early adulthood, with executive functions maturing throughout adolescence as the prefrontal cortex develops.