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Discuss the brain development that occurs during adolescence in point form

Brain development
Scientific advances in especially neuroimaging over the past few decades have
contributed to much greater understanding of the growth of the human brain from before
birth until adulthood. As mentioned in Chapter 1, neuroimaging or brain imaging is the use
of various techniques to image the structure and function of the brain either directly or
indirectly. Contributors to the neurosciences (or brain sciences) come from various fields,
including psychology. Humans experience significant physical and mental changes from
birth to adulthood, and a variety of physical, cognitive, and social functions mature in the
course of time. To understand such developmental processes, merely studying behavioural
changes is not sufficient; simultaneous investigation of the development of the brain is
important for understanding that is more comprehensive (see Morita et al., 2016).
In this section, we shall provide you with a brief overview of the structure, functioning
and development of the brain. This will form the basis of the discussions on the brain's
function in subsequent chapters.

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Brain Development During Adolescence

  • Puberty and Growth Spurts

    • Onset of puberty triggers hormones that influence brain development.
    • Significant increase in brain volume during early adolescence.

  • Pruning of Neurons

    • Synaptic pruning occurs, where excess neurons and synaptic connections are eliminated.
    • Enhances the efficiency of neural connections, focusing on frequently used pathways.

  • Myelination

    • Increased myelination of neural fibers, improving the speed and efficiency of signal transmission.
    • Areas involved in sensory processing, motor skills, and higher cognitive functions myelinate at different rates.

  • Prefrontal Cortex Development

    • The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning, matures during adolescence.
    • Maturation is often not complete until the mid-20s, leading to characteristic adolescent behavior.

  • Limbic System Activity

    • Increased activity in the limbic system (associated with emotions and reward processing).
    • Heightened sensitivity to rewards and emotional experiences, affecting risk-taking behavior.

  • Integration of Brain Regions

    • Enhanced connectivity among different brain regions during adolescence, supporting sophisticated cognitive functions.
    • Improved coordination between emotional responses and cognitive control.

  • Changes in Cognitive Abilities

    • Development of abstract thinking, future planning, and improved problem-solving skills.
    • Greater capacity for empathy and understanding of complex social dynamics.

  • Impact of Environment and Experiences

    • Environmental factors, such as social relationships and educational opportunities, influence brain development.
    • Experiences during this critical period can lead to long-lasting changes in brain structure and function.

  • Vulnerability to Mental Health Issues

    • Adolescents may be more susceptible to mental health disorders due to ongoing brain development.
    • Changes in emotional regulation and the integration of emotional and rational processes can contribute to mood disorders.

  • Individual Differences

    • Variability in the timing and trajectory of brain development among individuals.
    • Influences include genetics, environment, and personal experiences, leading to diverse outcomes in behavior and cognitive abilities.

This overview underscores the complexity and significance of brain development during adolescence, highlighting the interplay between biological maturation and environmental influences.