In the third trimester, which statement about brain growth is true?

In the third trimester, which statement about brain growth is true?

• A. Brain triples in size
• B. Cerebral hemispheres stop maturing
• C. Brain weight decreases
• D. Cerebellum stops growing

Answer: (A)

In the third trimester the brain undergoes a rapid growth surge, with substantial expansion in size and development. The brain roughly triples in size during this period, reflecting massive proliferation of neural and glial cells, rapid synaptogenesis, and the start of myelination. This early growth supports neural connectivity and function after birth. So the statement that the brain triples in size is the best answer because it captures this rapid late-gestation acceleration. In contrast, the cerebral hemispheres do not stop maturing; they continue developing new connections and structural maturation. The brain weight does not decrease, it increases as the brain grows. The cerebellum also continues to grow rather than stopping, contributing to motor coordination development after birth.

In the third trimester the brain undergoes a rapid growth surge, with substantial expansion in size and development. The brain roughly triples in size during this period, reflecting massive proliferation of neural and glial cells, rapid synaptogenesis, and the start of myelination. This early growth supports neural connectivity and function after birth.

So the statement that the brain triples in size is the best answer because it captures this rapid late-gestation acceleration. In contrast, the cerebral hemispheres do not stop maturing; they continue developing new connections and structural maturation. The brain weight does not decrease, it increases as the brain grows. The cerebellum also continues to grow rather than stopping, contributing to motor coordination development after birth.