Sensory stimuli after birth directly shape brain connection volume and maturation

Evidence

The role of the surroundings is therefore fundamental here. A great deal of the development of the human brain is accomplished in the open air, in contact with the stimuli of the world, which directly influence both the development and the volume of connections. The visual system, for example, is not entirely functional at birth. The synapses connecting fibers coming from the retina to neurons in the visual cortex are not yet entirely formed. Information received from outside activates the synapses and encourages maturation. — Catherine Malabou, What Should We Do with Our Brain?, 77

Categorization

• XREF: connects to: Birth-canal constraints halted brain expansion and forced postbirth growth tricks — Joseph Henrich, The Secret of Our Success: How Culture…, 213