Question 1 of 15
Explain why overproduction of synapses and synaptic pruning are adaptive processes that foster brain development.
Synaptic overproduction is one of the key concerns that have been attributed to child brain development in the field of neuroscience. One think to realize is that the infant brain grows considerable as infant grows in age and matures into adulthood. Neuroscientists argue that the infant brain grows more than five times as an infant transitions from infancy to adulthood. Despite this development, it is worth noting that the in some cases overproduces neurons which can obscure effective brain development. In order to reduce unneeded neurons and to facilitate proper brain configurations, synaptic pruning is used to contain the overproduction of synapses. This paper will explain why overproduction of synapses and the process of synaptic pruning are important in fostering proper brain development.
First of all, it is important to note that the brain of the child controls child behavior. This is because it the brain that controls the central nervous system of an infant and strengthens the activities of an infant as years advance. Therefore, the first way that synaptic pruning fosters brain development is by making sure that the cognitive abilities of an infant are effective. Cognitive ability affects the general intelligence of an infant and the ability of a person to be able to discern and respond to their immediate environment. It is also worth noting that the lack of effective cognitive abilities with an infant would affect the ability of a child to perform various activities on their own. Therefore synaptic pruning is important in enhancing the cognitive abilities of an infant or a child.
Second, perception is another element that is fostered by synaptic pruning. It is worth noting that memory and the ability to perceive issues and the immediate society is important to an infant. The retention of memories allows an infant or a child to be able to know the people within his or her immediate environment. This in retrospect is important because without the ability to perceive, it is difficult for a child both during infancy and adulthood to relate to people. The reduction of unwanted neurons through synaptic pruning allows the brain to have an enhanced perception ability thereby increasing the ability of an infant to build its memory.
Language is also a key element that is fostered by synaptic pruning. One thing that one should realize is that infants are very quick in taking up the language that they hear. Therefore, in order for the brain to take up and perceive the language that is being used in the immediate environment, the brain has to be working effectively. One of the ways to make sure that the brain works effectively is by making sure that the level of neuron production is kept at the desired level. Overproduction of neurons may limit the ability of the brain to have the cognitive ability to retain a language and sounds within the immediate environment of the infant.
In conclusion, overproduction of synapses and synaptic pruning are important elements which enhance brain development. There are three important ways that these processes foster brain development. These processes include the fostering of cognitive skills, perception, and the ability of the brain to pick up a language. All these elements are important if an infant or a child is going to lead a normal life that does not require special attention and assistance.
