PS102 Chapter Notes - Chapter 4: Synaptic Pruning
Document Summary
However foundation of brain architecture established early in life. 2 patterns apparent in babies" growth and development, both are pre and post natal: proximodistal pattern: Parts closer to centre of body grow and develop sooner than parts at outer edges (extremities) Most vital organs and body parts form first. Brain and body developments (ex myleinization) primary follow proximodistal pattern. Parts closer to centre (spine) develop sooner than extremeties: cephalocaudal pattern: Heads of infants much larger in proportion to bodies. 2 key processes responsible for early growth of brain: sheer increase in neural connections. Info passed from neuron to neuron at transmission points called synapses. Develop far greater numbers of synapses than needed. Process of reducing unnecessary connections is called synaptic pruning: myelination: Forms around and insulates portions of many neurons. During infancy, great deal of myelination occurs in spinal cord and areas of brain associated with movement, sensory responses, and certain low-level learning processes.
