Which of the following statements is true regarding how neurons change in the first years of life?

• A. Neurons rapidly form new connections, increasing synaptic density during early childhood.
• B. Neurons only change in adulthood, not during infancy or early childhood.
• C. Neurons decrease in number and lose most of their connections during the first years.
• D. Neurons remain largely unchanged and do not form new synapses after birth.

Answer: (A)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that neurons are the fundamental units of the brain responsible for processing and transmitting information through electrical and chemical signals.
2. Recognize that during early childhood, the brain undergoes significant development, including the growth and formation of new synaptic connections between neurons, a process known as synaptogenesis.
3. Recall that synaptic density, which refers to the number of synapses per neuron, increases rapidly in the first years of life, supporting learning and cognitive development.
4. Note that while some neurons may be pruned or eliminated later to improve efficiency, the initial phase is characterized by a rapid increase in connections rather than a decrease.
5. Conclude that the statement 'Neurons rapidly form new connections, increasing synaptic density during early childhood' accurately reflects how neurons change in the first years of life.