Adolescent Brain Development

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Questions and Answers

Which of the following is a characteristic of brain development during adolescence?

Decreased plasticity compared to adulthood
Reduced connectivity between subcortical systems and the prefrontal cortex
Decreased activation of subcortical regions
Maturation of the prefrontal cortex (correct)

What is synaptic pruning?

The growth of the fatty sheath that accelerates the signaling of neurons
The removal of underused connections between neurons (correct)
The creation of new neurons in the brain
The process by which neurons connect to each other

Which process allows for faster and more efficient signaling within the developing brain?

Myelination (correct)
Neurogenesis
Synaptic blooming
Synaptogenesis

What triggers significant reshaping of the adolescent brain, particularly in the prefrontal cortex?

Puberty (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of hormones like testosterone and estrogen in the adolescent brain?

They trigger new activity, growth, and increased responsiveness in subcortical structures. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of increased brain plasticity during adolescence?

It enhances the brain's ability to change as a function of life experience. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a cognitive skill enhanced by maturation of the prefrontal cortex during adolescence?

Impulse control (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the balance between gray matter and white matter change in the adolescent brain, and why is this significant?

Gray matter decreases, and white matter increases, improving communication efficiency. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the subcortical structures of the brain during adolescence?

To process emotion, motivation, and rewards. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How do life experiences impact the development of social skills and the supporting brain structures in teenagers?

Life experiences shape both social skills and the brain structures that support them as teenagers mature. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between brain size and brain development during adolescence?

Brain size may slightly decrease due to synaptic pruning, despite significant internal reorganization. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does increased myelination during adolescence enhance cognitive functions?

It increases the speed and efficiency of neural communication. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What aspects of adolescent behavior can be explained by the changes in subcortical brain structures?

Increased risk-taking and heightened emotional intensity (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do hormonal changes associated with puberty influence brain development during adolescence?

They stimulate growth and increased responsiveness in brain regions related to emotion, motivation, and rewards. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the role of synaptogenesis during adolescence?

Creating new synaptic connections, increasing the potential for learning and adaptation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

How does the enhanced connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and subcortical regions contribute to adolescent development?

By increasing the efficiency of emotional processing and integrating emotions into decision-making. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If an adolescent experiences chronic stress during the period of heightened brain plasticity, what is the MOST likely outcome?

Increased risk of mental health disorders and altered neural development. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Imagine a study comparing the brains of identical twins, one raised in a stimulating, supportive environment and the other in an environment characterized by neglect and adversity. What differences would you expect to observe in their brain development during adolescence?

The twin raised in a stimulating environment would show greater synaptic density, myelination, and optimized neural circuits compared to the twin raised in adversity. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A researcher is investigating the effects of a novel drug on synaptic pruning in adolescent rats. After administering the drug, they observe a significant reduction in the rate of synaptic pruning in the prefrontal cortex. What potential long-term consequences might this altered pruning process have on the rats' cognitive and behavioral development?

Increased susceptibility to mental health disorders and impaired cognitive functions due to the retention of inefficient or maladaptive neural connections. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the interplay between genetic predispositions and environmental influences on brain development during adolescence?

Genetic predispositions establish a baseline for brain development, but environmental experiences shape the fine-tuning and expression of these predispositions. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Brain Plasticity

The brain's capacity to change and adapt based on life experiences, heightened during adolescence.

Synaptogenesis

Brain maturation involves creating connections between neurons.