1.3.1 Early Brain Development

• Synaptogenesis involves the rapid formation of synaptic connections
• Critical periods are sensitive windows where the brain is particularly responsive to environmental stimuli
• Synaptogenesis peaks around the age of 2 years old.
• Synaptogenesis creates a dense neural network while pruning refines and streamlines pathways.
• Myelination involves the formation of a myelin sheath around the axons of neurons.
• Critical periods are specific windows of time when the brain is highly responsive to environmental stimuli
• Disruptions during critical periods may have severe and lasting impacts on cognitive development.


  True
• The stages of brain development during early childhood include synaptogenesis, myelination, and pruning
• Pruning involves the selective elimination of unused synapses.


  True
• Synaptogenesis peaks early in childhood and creates new synaptic connections
• Myelination increases the speed and efficiency of signal transmission along neurons.


  True
• Frequent engagement with caregivers fosters cognitive growth in early childhood.


  True
• Pruning is the process of eliminating unused synapses.

  True
• Match the function, timing, and purpose of synaptogenesis and pruning.

  Synaptogenesis ↔️ Formation of new connections

  Pruning ↔️ Elimination of unused connections

  Timing of Synaptogenesis ↔️ Peaks early in childhood

  Purpose of Pruning ↔️ Streamlining neural pathways
• Disruptions during critical periods can have severe and lasting impacts on cognitive development.

  True
• What is the primary function of pruning in brain development?

  Elimination of unused connections
• Match the critical and sensitive periods with their definitions, impacts, and examples.

  Critical Periods ↔️ Specific windows for high responsiveness

  Sensitive Periods ↔️ Broader windows for responsiveness

  Example of Critical Period ↔️ Language acquisition

  Example of Sensitive Period ↔️ Social and emotional development
• Critical periods are specific windows of time when the brain is highly responsive to environmental stimuli and experiences
• Understanding critical periods is crucial for providing the right environmental conditions for healthy brain maturation.


  True
• Myelination improves signal transmission
• Synaptogenesis creates a dense neural network, while pruning refines and streamlines these pathways.


  True
• Myelination forms a myelin sheath around neuron axons
• Genes provide the blueprint for brain structures and function
• What does myelination improve in brain development?

  Signal transmission
• Order the stages of brain development during early childhood.

  1️⃣ Synaptogenesis

  2️⃣ Myelination

  3️⃣ Pruning
• What does the myelin sheath improve in neurons?

  Signal speed
• Match the function, timing, and purpose of synaptogenesis and pruning.

  Synaptogenesis ↔️ Formation of new connections

  Pruning ↔️ Elimination of unused connections

  Timing of Synaptogenesis ↔️ Peaks early in childhood

  Purpose of Pruning ↔️ Streamlining neural pathways
• Myelination increases the speed and efficiency of signal transmission in neurons.


  True
• What type of disruptions during critical periods can have severe and lasting impacts on cognitive development?

  Environmental disruptions
• An example of a critical period is language acquisition
• Place the stages of brain development during early childhood in the correct order:

  1️⃣ Synaptogenesis

  2️⃣ Myelination

  3️⃣ Pruning
• Critical periods are sensitive windows where the brain is particularly responsive to environmental stimuli and experiences
• Pruning occurs throughout childhood and adolescence.


  True
• Critical periods are specific windows of time when the brain is highly responsive to environmental stimuli and experiences
• Exposure to toxins like lead can disrupt brain development