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Objective:

To review general principles of brain development, identify basic principles of brain plasticity, and discuss factors that influence brain development and plasticity.

Method:

A literature review of relevant English-language manuscripts on brain development and plasticity was conducted.

Results:

Brain development progresses through a series of stages beginning with neurogenesis and progressing to neural migration, maturation, synaptogenesis, pruning, and myelin formation. Eight basic principles of brain plasticity are identified. Evidence that brain development and function is influenced by different environmental events such as sensory stimuli, psychoactive drugs, gonadal hormones, parental-child relationships, peer relationships, early stress, intestinal flora, and diet.

Conclusions:

The development of the brain reflects more than the simple unfolding of a genetic blueprint but rather reflects a complex dance …