What happens inside the brain of teenagers 11 to 14 years old

Understanding synaptic pruning

Synaptic pruning or axon pruning starts near the time of birth and is completed by the time of sexual maturation (puberty). The “extra neurons” (cells that process and transmits information) are eliminated to improve the efficiency of neural transmission (brain signals).

Synapse is a structure that allows nerve cells (neurons) to pass signals to another neuron; in puberty, synaptic growth spurts.

Important neurotransmitters

Neurotransmission (communication between neurons) is an electrical impulse that travels to an axon (slender projection of a nerve cell) to the synaptic terminal. Also called “chemical messengers,” it is vital for the process of communication between two neurons.

A neuron is a basic unit of the brain designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells

Synaptic transmission relies on the availability of the neurotransmitter, which simply means that the more neurotransmitter there is, the better the synapse (brain communication) occur.

DLPC is involved in decision making and cognitive control.

Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex (DLPFC): It is the last part of the Brain to mature or until age 24

The “Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex” (DLPFC) covers the front part of the frontal lobe. The development of DLPFC affects a teenager’s motivation, mood, and general emotion. ^[2]

The most significant change in the brain happens here. DLPC is involved in decision making and cognitive control.

The Executive Function of DLPFC

Also known as the frontal lobe has the “Executive Function.” It’s responsible for abstract reasoning and decision making.

Thinking
Planning
Organizing
Problem-solving
Emotions
The overall personality of a teenager