What is synaptic pruning?

Synaptic pruning is a crucial process in brain development and functioning, particularly during childhood and adolescence. This process involves the selective removal of weaker or less active synapses in the brain, which helps to streamline neural connections and strengthen the overall neural network. By eliminating these less effective pathways, the brain can enhance the efficiency of communication between neurons and ensure that the most important and frequently used circuits remain intact and robust.

During early brain development, an overproduction of synapses occurs, leading to a complex network. As the brain matures, synaptic pruning helps to refine this network by discarding synapses that are redundant or not used frequently. This selective pruning is essential for cognitive and emotional development, as it allows the brain to adapt to experiences and environment, reinforcing important connections while removing those that are less meaningful. Thus, the reduction of weak synapses through synaptic pruning contributes significantly to the optimization of brain function.