When Does Axonal Pruning Occur?

Synaptic pruning happens very quickly between ages 2 and 10. During this time, about 50 percent of the extra synapses are eliminated. In the visual cortex, pruning continues until about 6 years of age.

What is axonal pruning?

Axon pruning: the remodelling of axons during neurogenesis. During development, neurons extend axons to more targets than are required for normal function in adulthood.

At what age does synaptic pruning occur?

Synaptic pruning first begins at 8 months in the visual cortex and 24 months in the frontal cerebral cortex, removing unnecessary excitatory and inhibitory synaptic connections. Pruning also occurs in the brainstem and cerebellum.