The general effect of synapse rearrangement is to
A) increase the number of different target cells innervated by each neuron.
B) increase the number of synaptic contacts received by each neuron.
C) focus the output of each neuron on fewer postsynaptic cells.
D) increase the ratio of axosomatic synapses to axodendritic synapses.
E) increase the number of synapses.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synapse rearrangement is the process by which the connections between neurons in the brain are modified over time. One of the general effects of this process is to focus the output of each neuron on fewer postsynaptic cells, which can result in changes in the strength, timing, and stability of synaptic connections. This helps to refine and optimize neural circuits and improve the efficiency of information processing in the brain. Option A is incorrect because synapse rearrangement does not necessarily increase the number of different target cells innervated by each neuron. Option B is incorrect because synapse rearrangement can lead to both an increase or decrease in the number of synaptic contacts received by each neuron, depending on the specific changes that occur. Option D is incorrect because synapse rearrangement does not specifically increase the ratio of axosomatic synapses to axodendritic synapses. Option E is incorrect because the effect of synapse rearrangement is not always to increase the number of synapses, but rather to optimize the organization and function of existing synapses.

The General Effect of Synapse Rearrangement Is to