![]() Synaptic Pruning explains the reasons for pruning.Īnother significant change occurring in the central nervous system is the development of myelin, a coating of fatty tissues around the axon of the neuron (Carlson, 2014). This activity is occurring primarily in the cortex or the thin outer covering of the brain involved in voluntary activity and thinking. Transient exuberance occurs during the first few years of life, and pruning continues through childhood and into adolescence in various areas of the brain. Ultimately, about 40 percent of these connections will be lost (Webb, Monk, and Nelson, 2001). Experience will shape which of these connections are maintained and which of these are lost. It is thought that pruning causes the brain to function more efficiently, allowing for mastery of more complex skills (Hutchinson, 2011). There is such a proliferation of these dendrites during these early years that by age 2 a single neuron might have thousands of dendrites.Īfter this dramatic increase, the neural pathways that are not used will be eliminated through a process called synaptic pruning, where neural connections are reduced, thereby making those that are used much stronger. During the next several years, dendrites, or connections between neurons, will undergo a period of transient exuberance or temporary dramatic growth ( exuberant because it is so rapid and transient because some of it is temporary). Synaptogenesis, or the formation of connections between neurons, continues from the prenatal period forming thousands of new connections during infancy and toddlerhood. While most of the brain’s 100 to 200 billion neurons are present at birth, they are not fully mature. Each neural pathway forms thousands of new connections during infancy and toddlerhood. The Neuron explains the part of the neuron and the signal transmission of the neurocommunication process. Axons and dendrites do not touch, instead, electrical impulses in the axons cause the release of chemicals called neurotransmitters which carry information from the axon of the sending neuron to the dendrites of the receiving neuron. The axon of each neuron reaches toward the dendrites of other neurons at intersections called synapses, which are critical communication links within the brain. Each neuron typically has a single axon and numerous dendrites that are spread out like branches of a tree (some will say it looks like a hand with fingers). Neurons connect to other neurons via networks of nerve fibers called axons and dendrites. This section briefly describes the structure and function of neurons.Ĭommunication within the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord, begins with nerve cells called neurons. Neurons, on the other hand, serve as interconnected information processors that are essential for all of the tasks of the nervous system. Glial cells provide scaffolding on which the nervous system is built, help neurons line up closely with each other to allow neuronal communication, provide insulation to neurons, transport nutrients and waste products, and mediate immune responses. Glial cells are traditionally thought to play a supportive role to neurons, both physically and metabolically. The nervous system is composed of two basic cell types: glial cells (also known as glia) and neurons.
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