What does transient exuberance refer to in infant brain development?

Transient exuberance refers to the temporary period during early brain development when there is a significant increase in the number of dendritic connections between neurons. This phenomenon usually occurs during the first few years of life, which are critical for cognitive and emotional development. During this time, infants experience a rapid growth of synapses, leading to enhanced neural connectivity.

This increase is described as "transient" because it does not last indefinitely; the brain eventually undergoes a pruning process where unused synapses are eliminated to make way for more efficient neural pathways. This pruning helps the brain strengthen the connections that are most frequently used, thus optimizing its function in response to the learning and experiences the child encounters.

In the context of brain development, this stage is crucial for cognitive development milestones, as it establishes a foundation for future learning, memory, and overall cognitive functioning.