What is synaptic pruning?

What is synaptic pruning?

• A. Neurogenesis
• B. Synaptogenesis
• C. Myelination
• D. Pruning

Answer: (D)

Synaptic pruning is the selective elimination of synapses that are less active or weaker, a refinement step in brain development. Early on many synapses form (synaptogenesis), but the brain then trims away the less-used ones so the remaining connections become more efficient. This activity-dependent process helps optimize neural circuits, and it can continue into childhood and adolescence in certain regions. It’s driven by signals from neuronal activity and glial cells that remove weaker synapses, unlike neurogenesis (birth of new neurons), synaptogenesis (formation of new synapses), or myelination (insulation of axons).

Synaptic pruning is the selective elimination of synapses that are less active or weaker, a refinement step in brain development. Early on many synapses form (synaptogenesis), but the brain then trims away the less-used ones so the remaining connections become more efficient. This activity-dependent process helps optimize neural circuits, and it can continue into childhood and adolescence in certain regions. It’s driven by signals from neuronal activity and glial cells that remove weaker synapses, unlike neurogenesis (birth of new neurons), synaptogenesis (formation of new synapses), or myelination (insulation of axons).