Which term is best associated with the development of communication networks in the brain?

The term that best associates with the development of communication networks in the brain is neural pathways. Neural pathways refer to the connections that form between neurons as they communicate with one another, creating networks that are essential for processing information and facilitating various cognitive functions. These pathways develop through experiences and learning, shaping how the brain functions and responds to different stimuli over time.

Neurodevelopment is a broader term that encompasses the overall growth and maturation of the nervous system, including the formation of neural pathways, but does not exclusively focus on the communication networks alone. Synaptic plasticity, while closely related, specifically refers to the ability of synapses (the junctions between neurons) to strengthen or weaken over time, thus impacting the efficacy of communication within existing pathways rather than the development of new ones. Cognitive dissonance is a psychological concept relating to the mental discomfort experienced when holding two contradictory beliefs or values and does not pertain to brain communication networks.