Synaptic pruning is a natural process that occurs in the brain between early childhood and adulthood. During synaptic pruning, the brain eliminates extra neurons and synapses, which are brain structures that allow the neurons to transmit an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron. This process is thought to be the brains way of removing connections in the brain that are no longer needed, which helps to refine neural circuits and increase network efficiency. Synaptic pruning is our body's way of maintaining more efficient brain function as we get older and learn new complex information.
The process of synaptic pruning follows the "use it or lose it" principle. Once the brain forms a synapse, it can either be strengthened or weakened depending on how often the synapse is used. Synapses that are more active are strengthened, and synapses that are less active are weakened and ultimately pruned. Computational models suggest that learning performance is optimal when synaptic connections are first over-generated and then pruned.
Synaptic pruning is an essential part of brain development, and it is thought to be associated with a number of neurological disorders such as schizophrenia and autism. The process of synaptic pruning is controlled by a number of signaling molecules that are involved in the control of glial cell movement, target recognition, and ingestion.
