6A - Neuroplasticity

Question 1

define neuroplasticity (simple)

Answer 1

he brain’s ability to change and adapt due to experience

Question 2

Label a neuron (not able to be shown on the card but search up)

Question 3

What is a Synapse, and how it works.

Answer 3

The space between the end of a nerve cell and another cell.

Nerve impulses are usually carried to the neighboring cell by neurotransmitters, which are released by the nerve cell and are taken up by another cell on the other side of the synapse.

Question 4

Define Neuroplasticity

Answer 4

is the ability of the brain to change its structure or function in response to experience or environmental stimulation

Question 5

Why is the brain of a young child more ‘plastic’ than an adult?

Answer 5

to accommodate a wide range of environments and interactions. Mostly in sensitive periods.

Question 6

What are the 2 factors influencing brain plasticity?

Answer 6

Experience-expectant & Experience-dependent

Question 7

Define Experience - expectant and give examples

Answer 7

involves brain development triggered by specific environmental cues that the brain expects to encounter at certain times
Usually in critical periods and sensitive periods.

Example: For humans, it is important to have exposure to light early in life for normal development of the visual cortex

Question 8

Define experience - dependent

Answer 8

the unique and personal brain changes that take place when different situations occur.

There is no sensitive or critical period, so it is not time-dependent.

Example: learning a new skill, recovering from a brain injury.

Question 9

What are the 3 processes involved in neuroplasticity?

Answer 9

Synaptogenesis
Synaptic pruning
Myelination

Question 10

What is Synaptogenesis?

Answer 10

The formation of synapses between neurons as axon terminals and dendrites grow. This is most intense during infancy, and reduces as you age.

Question 11

Define Synaptic pruning

Answer 11

The elimination of underused synapses (“use it or lose it”).

Occurs throughout the lifespan, but most intense periods are during adolescence and after infancy (2-3 years old).

Question 12

Define Myelination

Answer 12

The formation and development of myelin around the axon of the neuron, this helps to make messages more efficient and quick.

Question 13

Finish the sentence - As we gain new experiences…

Answer 13

some synaptic connections that are frequently used are strengthened.

Question 14

What does repeated activation of a neural pathway do?

Answer 14

Other structural changes occur to allow for more stronger connections. These include:
- growth of dendritic branches and axon branches
- formation of more receptor sites
- increase in the number of neurotransmitters released into the synapse

Question 15

Highly used pathways are…

Answer 15

are easily activated, as they are often more efficient and ready to be activated together.

Question 16

Meredith was born into an English-speaking family and acquired the English language in the usual way. No other languages were spoken in the home. When Meredith started high school, she studied Italian as a second language. In terms of brain plasticity, it is likely that Meredith’s neuroplasticity will…

A - increase with age making it easier to learn a second language
B - diminish with age making it more difficult to learn a second language later in life
C - remain constant over her life span
D - Enable her to acquire any language she is exposed to across her lifespan

Answer 16

B

Question 17

Define Adaptive Plasticity

Answer 17

the brain’s ability to restore adequate neural functioning over time after sustaining injury

Question 18

Define Brain Trauma and give examples

Answer 18

is damage to the brain that is caused by an external force, e.g. falling and hitting your head or being knocked in the head in a sporting game

Question 19

What is Sprouting? (Adaptive Placticity)

Answer 19

a neuron develops new branches at the dendrites or axons which allows it to form new neural connections where activity has been prevented or depleted.

Question 20

What is Rerouting? (Adaptive Plasticity)

Answer 20

a neuron forms a new connection with another undamaged neuron and abandon the damaged neuron, this allows new neural connections to be formed.

Question 21

Name 4 different factors help to stimulate new neural connections (i.e. strengthen or prevent synaptic pruning), and help to maintain healthy neurons (i.e. proteins, oxygen)?

Answer 21

Mental Stimulation
Diet
Social Support
Physical Activity

Question 22

Explantion and Examples Of Mental Stimulation in Maintaining and Maximising brain functioning.

Answer 22

Examples:

• Doing a crossword puzzle
• Learning to play an instrument
• Meditating

Mental stimulation strengthens and prevents synaptic pruning of needed neuronal connections.

Question 23

Explantion Of Diet in Maintaining and Maximising brain functioning.

Answer 23

It is recommended that individuals have a balanced diet and eat according to the Australian Guide to Healthy Eating.

Leafy greens (Kale/Spinach) are rich in ‘brain-healthy’ nutrients such as vitamin K which helps slow cognitive decline

Question 24

Explantion Of Physical Activity in Maintaining and Maximising brain functioning.

Answer 24

It is recommended to engage in moderate to vigorous physical activity for at least 60 minutes per day.

Physical activity increases blood supply to the brain and promotes growth of new neurons in the hippocampus, which is essential brain area for learning and memory.

Question 25

Explantion Of Social Support in Maintaining and Maximising brain functioning.

Answer 25

Social support involves being part of or interacting with a group of people.

Interacting with people of similar interests reduces loneliness which in turn decreases the risk of cognitive decline.