Question 1

During infancy there is a massive proliferation of new neural connections.This development process is called:

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis is the process during infancy where there is a massive proliferation of new neural connections, crucial for brain development.

Question 2

After brain damage, cell death may extend past the area of damage; this process is called:

Accepted Answer

Transneuronal degeneration refers to the process where neurons degenerate due to the loss of input from damaged neurons, causing cell death to extend beyond the initial area of damage.

Question 3

Which region do functional imaging studies implicate in dyslexia?

Accepted Answer

Functional imaging studies implicate the perisylvian regions in dyslexia, highlighting abnormalities in the neural systems that support reading and language processing.

Question 4

What pattern best describes the pattern of synaptic development during childhood?

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis is followed by pruning in a regionally specific manner, meaning that different brain regions undergo synaptic development and pruning at different times and rates.

Question 5

The main difference between experience-expectant and experience-dependent systems is:

Accepted Answer

Experience-expectant systems rely on environmental input during critical or sensitive periods in development to shape the brain's structure and function. This input is expected as part of normal development and is similar across individuals within a species. In contrast, experience-dependent systems are unique to the individual and develop throughout life based on specific experiences and learning.

Question 6

Which regions of the brain are most susceptible to the effects of aging?

Accepted Answer

The frontal and temporal regions of the brain are most susceptible to the effects of aging, showing significant changes in both structure and function. These areas are involved in complex cognitive processes such as memory, language, and executive functions, which often decline with age.

Question 7

Based on what we know on sensitive periods in development, which of the following is true:

Accepted Answer

Sensitive periods are times in development when the brain is particularly receptive to certain types of environmental stimuli. Disruptions during these times, such as social isolation, can lead to long-lasting changes in brain structure and function, including alterations in white matter volume, which is crucial for efficient brain connectivity and communication.

Question 8

Risky decision-making in adolescence is believed to result from which of the following aspects of neural development:

Accepted Answer

Adolescent risky decision-making is often attributed to an imbalance in brain development, where there is increased activation in the striatum (a region involved in reward processing) and decreased activation in the lateral prefrontal cortex (involved in cognitive control and decision-making). This imbalance leads to a heightened sensitivity to rewards and a reduced capacity for self-regulation and risk evaluation.

Question 9

What does the Kennard principle suggest about recovery of function after brain injury in children and adults?

Accepted Answer

The Kennard principle suggests that recovery of function after brain injury is generally better in children than in adults, due to the plasticity of the developing brain.

Question 10

Which of the following is an example of cross-modal plasticity:

Accepted Answer

Cross-modal plasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and adapt, allowing a sensory modality to be processed by parts of the brain typically devoted to another. The visual cortex being recruited for Braille reading in someone with congenital blindness is an example of this, as the brain repurposes the visual processing area for tactile information processing.

Question 11

What syndrome do the following facial features indicate: long, narrow face; a long, prominent chin; and large ears?

Accepted Answer

These facial features are characteristic of Fragile X syndrome, a genetic condition that causes a range of developmental problems including learning disabilities and cognitive impairment.

Question 12

In which areas does synaptogenesis occur most rapidly?

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis occurs most rapidly in the primary sensor and motor areas during early development, as these areas are crucial for processing sensory information and coordinating motor functions.

Question 13

What disorder is characterized by a profound lack of desire to interact emotionally or socially with other people?

Accepted Answer

Autism is characterized by challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, and unique strengths and differences. One of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a profound lack of desire to interact emotionally or socially with other people.

Question 14

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder is characterized by delay aversion and is related to which of the following neural patterns:

Accepted Answer

ADHD is associated with hypoactivation of the basal ganglia in anticipation of rewards, which is part of the neural basis for delay aversion seen in individuals with ADHD. This reflects a reduced sensitivity to future rewards, leading to a preference for smaller, immediate rewards over larger, delayed ones.

Question 15

Synaptic blooming and pruning is an important part of development.Research has shown that children who have early increased cortical thickening and faster subsequent cortical thinning showed the following:

Accepted Answer

Research indicates that early increased cortical thickening followed by faster cortical thinning is associated with higher IQ in children.

Question 16

Environmental enrichment studies on children have found which of the following:

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that institutionalized children placed in foster care before the age of 2 tend to have better developmental outcomes compared to those placed after 2 years, highlighting the importance of early intervention.

Question 17

Which neurodevelopmental disorder is associated with increased cortical thickness in early life, slower rates myelination, and repetitive behaviors during play?

Accepted Answer

Autism is associated with increased cortical thickness in early life, slower rates of myelination, and repetitive behaviors during play, distinguishing it from the other disorders listed.

Question 18

Studies on reading ability and neural development have found which of the following:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Studies on reading ability and neural development...

Question 19

What process following brain damage often accompanies transneuronal degeneration and can be easily detected by brain imaging techniques?

Accepted Answer

Calcification often accompanies transneuronal degeneration following brain damage and can be easily detected by brain imaging techniques such as CT scans or MRIs. This process involves the accumulation of calcium salts in the tissue, which can be visualized as areas of increased density or brightness on imaging studies.

Question 20

Down syndrome is caused by three chromosomes in which pair?

Accepted Answer

Down syndrome is caused by an extra chromosome in pair 21, leading to three chromosomes in this pair instead of the usual two.

Quiz 15: Brain Development and Plasticity