During adolescence and adulthood, cognitive functions such as memory and judgment generally become more complex. According to the text, the neurological event most closely associated with such changes is:
A) an increase in the number of neurons in the brain
B) an increase in the overall size of the neurons in the cortex of the brain
C) a decrease in the amount of myelin present in the brain
D) a decline in gray matter that occurs after childhood

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The decline in gray matter that occurs after childhood is the neurological event most closely associated with the cognitive changes that occur during adolescence and adulthood. This decline is due to the pruning of unused neural connections, which allows for more efficient and specialized brain function. This process is thought to underlie the development of more complex cognitive functions such as memory and judgment.

During Adolescence and Adulthood, Cognitive Functions Such as Memory and Judgment