Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
The term "adult brains" refers to the mature and fully developed brains of individuals who have reached adulthood. These brains have undergone significant growth and development throughout childhood and adolescence.
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout an individual's lifetime. It enables learning, memory formation, and recovery from injury.
Synaptic pruning is the process by which unnecessary connections between neurons are eliminated in order to streamline neural communication. It helps refine neural circuits in adult brains.
Myelination: Myelination is the process by which axons are coated with a fatty substance called myelin, which increases their speed of electrical transmission. Myelination continues into early adulthood, enhancing efficiency in adult brains.