Matters of the BRAIN
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Neuron NETWORKS
Neurons are not loners, no they must always be chatting away to other neurons. Their synapses firing together create an extensive communication network, these pathways in the central nervous system are responsible for the functions of the brain. Billions of neurons are talking together as they send and receive messages throughout the body daily. The actual number of synapses is said to be in the trillions —or MORE! That does make one stop and think! Oops, just fired off more synapses!
Infants have 100 billion neurons available, but the messaging pathways are in need of development. Each newborn fires about 2,500 synapses per neuron, at age 3 it’s up to nearly 15,000 synapses per neuron firing away. That’s an enormous difference and it’s why this time is so important!
What happened during those early years? The brain expands both in size and capabilities. When a baby bursts into the world its brain size is only 25% of that of an adults. By the third year the brain has increased its size to 80%, the physical shape and weight of the brain is nearly complete by age five at 92%.
Neuron NETWORKS
Neurons are not loners, no they must always be chatting away to other neurons. Their synapses firing together create an extensive communication network, these pathways in the central nervous system are responsible for the functions of the brain. Billions of neurons are talking together as they send and receive messages throughout the body daily. The actual number of synapses is said to be in the trillions —or MORE! That does make one stop and think! Oops, just fired off more synapses!
Infants have 100 billion neurons available, but the messaging pathways are in need of development. Each newborn fires about 2,500 synapses per neuron, at age 3 it’s up to nearly 15,000 synapses per neuron firing away. That’s an enormous difference and it’s why this time is so important!
What happened during those early years? The brain expands both in size and capabilities. When a baby bursts into the world its brain size is only 25% of that of an adults. By the third year the brain has increased its size to 80%, the physical shape and weight of the brain is nearly complete by age five at 92%.
NEURON PLASTICITY
Inside a young child’s brain neurons have been working overtime creating synapses. Yes, an infant does have neuron pathways that support their key body functions-heartbeat, breathing etc. However, an enormous number of brain cells are unconnected to each other.–on standby—waiting for new pathways to get built!
Life experiences and interactions with parents-caregivers in a child’s environment will cause synapse connections to occur. In these early years, the construction of mass highways or networks are beginning to appear at a fast pace. Information, sorting and MORE learning is taking place causing the
brain to be newly “wired”!
All the synapse pathways that are constructed do not become permanent. Synapse connections strengthen with repetition! While the opposite is true, inconsistent use or no use of one’s pathways weaken those connections, causing them to fade away or be pruned. The brain’s ability to be flexible, make changes and adapt is called neural plasticity. “The human brain is continually altering its structure, cell number, circuitry, and chemistry as a direct result of everything we do, experience, think and believe.” stated Dr. Helena Popovic MBBS, medical doctor and author.
Until the 1950’s scientists thought neuron development only took place throughout childhood and up to about the age of twenty-five. Recent discoveries have shown that neuron structures and connections continue to expand all through one’s life. The generation of new neurons at an older age is certainly something to remember and celebrate!
“The brain is the only organ in the body that remains plastic throughout life and sculpts itself through its experiences.”
Patricia Wolfe & Pamela Nevills, authors
Use it or lose it!
Really does apply to all those pathways in the learning brain.
Resources & References
Bernard, Sara, (2010), Neuroplasticity: Learning Physically Changes the Brain, George Lucas Educational
Foundation Edutopia, https://www.edutopia.org/neuroscience-brain-based-learning-neuroplasticity
Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, (2011), Experiences
Build Brain Architecture, https://youtu.be/VNNsN9IJkwssi=CIbRB_iv4km_qNYY
McAllister, Kimberley, Ph.D., (2020), Making and breaking connections in the brain, UC Davis Center for
Neuroscience, https://neuroscience.ucdavis.edu/news/making-and-breaking-connections-brain
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, (2023), Brain Basics: The Life and Death of a Neuron, https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/public-education/brain-basics/brain-basics-life-and-death-neuron
Popovic, Helena, Dr., (2012), To Harness Neuroplasticity, Start with Enthusiasm, Sharp Brains, https://sharpbrains.com/blog/2012/01/31/to-harness-neuroplasticity-start-with-enthusiasm/
Wills, Judy, MD, Willis, Malana, (2020), Research-Based Strategies To IGNITE Student Learning, Insights from Neuroscience and the Classroom, ASCD, Chapter 3 – The Journey from Sensory Intake to Memory
