Summary: Synaptic pruning occurs as a result of mechanical tearing, a new study reveals.
Source: University of Munster.
Nerve cells communicate with one another via long processes known as axons and dendrites, or, more generally, neurites. During development, these processes first grow and form connections with other cells, for example synapses with other nerve cells. Any neurites which are not properly linked, or are no longer needed, are removed by a corrective mechanism known as “pruning”.
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