Question 1

Which of the following is true of synaptogenesis?

Accepted Answer

Synaptogenesis involves the formation of new connections between neurons, and each period of synaptogenesis is followed by a period of pruning, during which weaker or unnecessary connections are eliminated. Option A is incorrect because synaptogenesis refers to the formation of connections, not their separation. Option B is incorrect because synaptogenesis is most rapid during early childhood and slows down later in life. Option C is incorrect because synaptogenesis is associated with increases in brain size, not decreases.

Question 2

Your brain has the ability to change in response to experience.This ability is known as

Accepted Answer

The ability of the brain to change in response to experience is known as plasticity. This plasticity allows the brain to adapt to new situations and learn new skills. It is also responsible for the recovery of brain function after injury or disease.

Question 3

At birth,we lack the ability to perceive,think,or use language because which area of our brain is not well developed?

Accepted Answer

The cortex, particularly the prefrontal cortex, is responsible for perception, cognition, and language use. At birth, the cortex is underdeveloped, which is why newborns lack these abilities. The medulla and midbrain play important roles in basic bodily functions such as breathing and heart rate, but they are not directly involved in perception, cognition, or language use. Glial cells are support cells for neurons and do not have a direct role in these functions either.

Question 4

A baby will splay out its toes,then curl them under,in response to stroking the bottom of the foot.Which reflex is this?

Accepted Answer

This reflex is known as the Babinski reflex, which is a normal response in infants and young children. When the sole of the foot is stroked, the toes will spread out and then curl under. In adults, this reflex is abnormal and can indicate neurological dysfunction.

Question 5

An infant's sleep/wake cycle lasts approximately how long?

Accepted Answer

An infant's sleep/wake cycle is approximately 2 hours long, reflecting the rapid transition between sleep and wakefulness typical in early development.

Question 6

The myelinization in the reticular formation makes which of the following possible?

Accepted Answer

The myelination in the reticular formation enhances the ability to concentrate and maintain attention on tasks by improving the efficiency of neural transmission.

Question 7

Each burst of synaptogenesis is followed by which of the following processes?

Accepted Answer

Each burst of synaptogenesis is followed by the process of pruning, which involves the elimination of excess, weak, or unused synapses to refine and strengthen neural connections.

Question 8

Johann lives in a family with five siblings.There is always a lot of activity and interaction between the children and parents.There are many brightly colored toys and things to play with.Suzanne's family can't afford many toys at all,and she has only old hand-me-downs to play with,most of which are broken.Which of the following best describes a likely difference in brain development between Johann and Suzanne?

Accepted Answer

The "use it or lose it" principle suggests that the brain will build stronger neural connections in response to more stimulating environments. Therefore, Johann's brain is likely to have a denser network of neurons and synapses compared to Suzanne's brain, as he has access to more toys and a more stimulating environment. Myelination (B) and synaptic pruning (D) are also important processes in brain development, but they are not directly related to the difference in environment between Johann and Suzanne. Option C is incorrect because environmental factors can have a significant impact on brain development, even in early childhood.

Question 9

What is the name of the process of creating new synapses that happens very quickly in the first couple of years after birth?

Accepted Answer

The process of creating new synapses that happens very quickly in the first couple of years after birth is called synaptogenesis. This process allows for the development of neural connections in the brain, which is critical for learning and cognitive development. Synaptic pruning refers to the process of eliminating weaker or unnecessary synapses, myelinization is the process of forming the myelin sheath around axons, and synaptomiosis is not a recognized term in neuroscience.

Question 10

Attention is regulated by which of the following structures?

Accepted Answer

The reticular formation in the brainstem is responsible for regulating attention by filtering sensory information and determining what stimuli are important for the individual to focus on.

Question 11

Animal studies have shown which of the following to be true?

Accepted Answer

Animal studies have shown that enriched environments can help the young brain overcome damage caused by some teratogens. Enriched environments promote neural growth and development, which can help compensate for the damage caused by teratogens such as alcohol or certain drugs. This is supported by research in rats, where those exposed to alcohol during development were able to perform complex tasks at a level equal to non-exposed rats when provided an enriched environment.

Question 12

What is another name for the startle reflex?

Accepted Answer

The startle reflex is also known as the Moro reflex.

Question 13

Which of the following is a primary function of brain development in the first year of life?

Accepted Answer

The formation of synapses is a primary function of brain development in the first year of life. Synapses are connections between neurons that allow for communication and information processing in the brain. The increase in synapse formation during the first year of life is crucial for early brain development and the establishment of cognitive and motor skills. While the development of neurons and glial cells (A) and proximodistal development (D) do occur in the first year of life, they are not the primary function of brain development during this time. Ossification (B) refers to the process of bone formation and is not related to brain development.

Question 14

Which of the following processes is an emphasis of brain development in the second year of life?

Accepted Answer

Myelinization, or the growth of myelin sheaths around neurons, is a key process in the second year of life as it enhances the speed and efficiency of communication between neurons. While development of neurons and glial cells, formation of synapses, and proximodistal development also occur in the second year of life, myelinization is particularly emphasized during this time period.

Question 15

What is the name of the sheath around the axons that serves as insulation and speeds neural transmissions?

Accepted Answer

The sheath around the axons that serves as insulation and speeds neural transmissions is called myelin.

Question 16

_________ of neurons and glial cells are present at birth.

Accepted Answer

The brain contains billions of neurons and glial cells, which are present at birth.

Question 17

What does your text suggest about the persistence of the Moro reflex or the Babinski reflex beyond six months of age?

Accepted Answer

The text suggests that the persistence of the Moro reflex or the Babinski reflex beyond six months of age may signal the existence of some type of neurological problem. This suggests that it is not normal for these reflexes to persist beyond six months of age and may be indicative of a neurological issue.

Question 18

Brain development in the first year of life emphasizes

Accepted Answer

In the first year of life, brain development emphasizes the formation of synapses. This is critically important as synapses allow neurons to communicate with each other, forming the basis of all cognitive functions. While the development of neurons and glial cells is also important, it is the formation of synapses that underlies the most rapid and dramatic changes in brain structure and function during this period. Synapto-atrophy (the pruning of unused synapses) occurs later in development and is not a major emphasis in the first year of life. A proximodistal pattern (development from the center of the body outward) is seen in the growth of some structures during fetal development, but is not as relevant to postnatal brain development.

Question 19

According to many neurophysiologists,which of the following will result in the pruning of redundant neural pathways and the selective retention of the most efficient pathways in an infant's brain?

Accepted Answer

Experiences play a crucial role in the pruning process of redundant neural pathways in an infant's brain. This is known as experience-dependent plasticity, and it helps the brain to optimize and strengthen the most efficient neural connections. Diet and nutrition can support healthy brain development, but they do not directly influence the pruning process. Phenotype and inborn predispositions are factors that influence the development of the brain and behavior, but they are not specifically related to the pruning of neural pathways.

Question 20

What effect does watching television have on the developing brain?

Accepted Answer

High-quality television programs can indeed have a positive impact on toddlers by improving their vocabulary and social skills. This is supported by research indicating that educational content can be beneficial when watched in moderation.

Quiz 4: Physical,Sensory,and Perceptual Development in Infancy