8.6.2 Synaptic Pruning and Plasticity

• What is the definition of synaptic pruning?

  Eliminating unnecessary synapses
• Synaptic pruning occurs primarily during childhood and adolescence.
• How does synaptic pruning refine neural circuits?

  By removing unused connections
• Synaptic pruning improves brain efficiency by streamlining the transmission of signals
• What is the first step in the process of synaptic pruning?

  Tagging
• Microglia are responsible for engulfing tagged synapses during synaptic pruning.
• Astrocytes play a crucial role in regulating synaptic formation and stability
• Which cell type engulfs and removes tagged synapses?

  Microglia
• Steps in the process of synaptic pruning

  1️⃣ Tagging infrequently used synapses

  2️⃣ Microglia engulf tagged synapses

  3️⃣ Microglia digest and remove synapses
• What is the definition of synaptic plasticity?

  Strengthening or weakening synapses
• Synaptic plasticity occurs continuously throughout life.
• What are the two main types of synaptic plasticity?

  LTP and LTD
• Long-term potentiation strengthens synaptic connections
• Which receptor is involved in LTP and increases calcium influx?

  NMDA receptor
• What is the primary purpose of synaptic pruning during brain development and learning?

  Refining neural circuits
• Synaptic pruning involves the elimination of unnecessary or weak synapses
• The purpose of synaptic pruning is to refine neural circuits and improve brain efficiency.
• During what period of life does significant synaptic pruning occur?

  Childhood and adolescence
• Steps in the process of synaptic pruning

  1️⃣ Tagging infrequently used synapses

  2️⃣ Engulfment by microglia

  3️⃣ Digestion and removal of synapses
• Microglia are responsible for engulfing and removing tagged synapses during synaptic pruning.
• Match the cell type with its function in synaptic pruning:

  Microglia ↔️ Engulf and remove tagged synapses

  Astrocytes ↔️ Regulate synaptic formation and stability
• Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken based on changes in their activity
• What is the primary purpose of synaptic plasticity in the brain?

  Adapt to experiences
• Match the type of synaptic plasticity with its effect on synaptic connections:

  LTP ↔️ Strengthens synaptic connections

  LTD ↔️ Weakens synaptic connections
• Long-term potentiation (LTP) occurs when synapses are repeatedly activated, enhancing the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP).
• What happens to the excitatory postsynaptic potential (EPSP) during long-term depression (LTD)?

  It reduces
• Long-term potentiation involves the NMDA receptor and increased calcium influx.
• Synaptic plasticity complements synaptic pruning to optimize neural circuits based on experience.
• What is the effect of synaptic pruning on neural circuits?

  Improves efficiency
• Synaptic plasticity allows the brain to adapt and learn from new experiences.
• Both synaptic pruning and plasticity are essential for a well-functioning nervous system.