Neurotransmitters and Synaptic Pruning

Questions and Answers

What role does oxytocin play in the birthing process?

It promotes bonding and engages adaptive behaviors. (correct)

It serves solely as a pain relief hormone.

It reduces the strength of contractions.

It causes premature labor.

At what stage of development do teratogens cause the most damage?

After birth during the bonding phase.

During the first year of life.

At any stage regardless of development.

When body parts or organs are developing. (correct)

Which statement about newborn sleep patterns is correct?

Newborn sleep duration is constant until age 4.

Newborns sleep about as much as adults.

Newborns spend 50% of their sleep time in REM. (correct)

Newborns do not experience REM sleep.

What is a characteristic of crying in newborns?

It starts as a reflexive act but evolves into communication. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about the age of viability?

An infant can survive outside the womb as early as 24 weeks. Signup and view all the answers

What is synaptic pruning and when does it occur?

The elimination of some newly formed synapses during various developmental stages. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes fetal learning?

The capacity of the fetus to respond to sounds and habituate to stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What are teratogens?

Environmental agents that can cause harm during prenatal development. Signup and view all the answers

At what stage is a fetus able to begin habituating to stimuli?

At 32 weeks of gestation. Signup and view all the answers

What maternal factors can impact prenatal development?

Maternal age, nutrition, disease, and stress-level. Signup and view all the answers

How does synaptic pruning contribute to brain development?

It customizes the brain's neural connections based on experiences. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the fetus's activity is accurate?

The fetus experiences sensations and responses to external stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'sleeper effect' in the context of teratogens?

Effects that are visible only after some time post-birth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neurotransmitters and Synaptic Pruning

Neurotransmitters are depicted as red balls of light, facilitating impulses across neurons.
Synaptic pruning enhances brain efficiency by removing some newly formed synapses.
Pruning occurs throughout fetal development, infancy, childhood, and adolescence.
The process customizes the brain according to individual experiences.

Fetal Development

By 12 weeks of gestation, most movements observed at birth are present.
Fetuses actively contribute to development by experiencing tactile stimuli and sensory input.
Respond to sounds by the 6th month and can habituate to stimuli by 32 weeks, indicating learning.

Problems in Prenatal Development

Miscarriage is a potential issue during prenatal development.
Maternal factors affecting development include age, nutrition, disease, and stress levels.
Teratogens are environmental agents posing risks during prenatal growth, notably during sensitive periods.
Legal and illegal substances can act as teratogens, causing harm during critical organ development.

The Birth Experience

Birth typically begins at around 38 weeks, although delivery can occur as early as 24 weeks (age of viability).
Contractions and squeezing through the birth canal have adaptive value for the newborn.
Oxytocin, released during labor, promotes bonding and is often referred to as the "love hormone."

Postpartum Issues

Postpartum depression can occur following childbirth, impacting maternal well-being.

Sleep, Crying, and Exploration in Newborns

Newborns sleep significantly more than adults, spending 50% of their sleep time in REM, declining to 20% by ages 3-4.
Initial crying serves as a reflexive response to discomfort but evolves into a means of communication.
Colic can cause severe abdominal pain in infants due to gas or intestinal obstruction.
Newborns exhibit exploratory behaviors and can imitate others shortly after birth.

Description

This quiz explores the role of neurotransmitters in neural communication and the process of synaptic pruning throughout different stages of development. Understand how these mechanisms contribute to brain efficiency and function. Perfect for students studying neuroscience or psychology.