Some researchers now believe that one of the keys to the development of schizophrenia lies in the process of synaptic pruning? Which of the following illustrates this term?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synaptic pruning is the process by which the brain eliminates unused or unnecessary synapses between neurons. In schizophrenia, it is believed that there is an excess of synaptic pruning that occurs during adolescence, leading to a loss of connectivity between brain regions. This loss of connectivity is thought to contribute to the symptoms of the disorder, such as hallucinations and disorganized thinking. Option B correctly illustrates this term by stating that neurons selectively reduce the number of branches of their dendrites, which is one of the ways in which synaptic pruning occurs. Options A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately depict the process of synaptic pruning or its relationship to schizophrenia.

Some Researchers Now Believe That One of the Keys to the Development