PSY 302 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Canadian Paediatric Society, Synaptic Pruning, Synaptic Plasticity

• School: Ryerson University
• Department: Psychology
• Course: PSY 302
• Professor: Paul Brunet

Document Summary

Three: genotype: genetic material an individual inherits, phenotype: observable expression of the genotype, including body characteristics and behavior. Affected by nature and nurture: environment: every aspect of the individual, and his or her surroundings, other than genes. Genetic and environmental influences: the interplay between genes and experience is very complex. Neurogenesis: the process of creating neurons: mostly occurs prenatally, by 18 weeks after conception. Synaptogenesis: formation of synapses: neurons can connect to up to 5000 other neurons, birth: Relatively few neuron-neuron connections: during first two years: Billions of new connections established and become more complex. Synaptic pruning: elimination of unused neurons: required to remove unnecessary connections to make useful connections more useful. Myelination: takes time; develops over childhood. Brain growth: neurons reposition themselves with growth, becoming arranged by function. Plasticity: ability to change: neuroplasticity: brain"s ability to change. Synaptic plasticity: ability to create more synaptic connection between neurons. Non-synaptic plasticity: ability to alter the existing neurons.