Which statement about neural development is supported by the material?

Which statement about neural development is supported by the material?

• A. The brain’s neural pathways are simple, vulnerable, and grow rapidly early on.
• B. Neural pathways are fixed and do not change after birth.
• C. Messages are transmitted without chemicals.
• D. The brain never forms synapses after birth.

Answer: (A)

Neural development progresses with rapid formation and refinement of connections in early life, and the brain’s wiring is highly plastic and vulnerable during that period. Early on, neurons form many new connections quickly (synaptogenesis), and these pathways are relatively simple and continually shaped by experiences. This makes them susceptible to environmental influences and potential injury, fitting the idea that neural pathways are growing rapidly and are vulnerable early on. Statements that neural pathways are fixed after birth overlook ongoing plasticity and pruning that adjust connections over time. The notion that messages are transmitted without chemicals ignores the essential role of neurotransmitters in most neural communication. The idea that the brain never forms synapses after birth contradicts the well-established ongoing synaptogenesis and synaptic refinement that occur after birth.

Neural development progresses with rapid formation and refinement of connections in early life, and the brain’s wiring is highly plastic and vulnerable during that period. Early on, neurons form many new connections quickly (synaptogenesis), and these pathways are relatively simple and continually shaped by experiences. This makes them susceptible to environmental influences and potential injury, fitting the idea that neural pathways are growing rapidly and are vulnerable early on.

Statements that neural pathways are fixed after birth overlook ongoing plasticity and pruning that adjust connections over time. The notion that messages are transmitted without chemicals ignores the essential role of neurotransmitters in most neural communication. The idea that the brain never forms synapses after birth contradicts the well-established ongoing synaptogenesis and synaptic refinement that occur after birth.