Question

An important maturation change in middle childhood is the loss of density in the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, which reflects the pruning of unused___________

Answer 1

The decrease in gray matter density in the cerebral cortex during middle childhood is due to synaptic pruning of unused synapses.

Step-by-step explanation:

An important maturation change in middle childhood is the loss of density in the gray matter of the cerebral cortex, which reflects the pruning of unused synapses. This process is known as synaptic pruning and is part of the brain's way of becoming more efficient.

It is characterized by wrinkles and folds such as gyri and sulci, and is responsible for higher neurological functions like memory, emotion, and consciousness. During adolescence, there is a decrease in gray matter density in the cerebral cortex as the brain eliminates unused neuronal pathways through synaptic pruning.

Simultaneously, myelination increases in the white matter, improving the brain's efficiency and functionality. These changes not only make the brain more efficient but also contribute to significant cognitive developments during this critical period of childhood and adolescence.