6A - Neuroplasticity Flashcards

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1
Q

define neuroplasticity (simple)

A

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

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2
Q

What is a Synapse, and how it works.

A

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.

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3
Q

Define Neuroplasticity

A

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

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4
Q

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

A

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

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5
Q

What are the 2 factors influencing brain plasticity?

A

Experience-expectant & Experience-dependent

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6
Q

Define Experience - expectant and give examples

A

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

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7
Q

Define experience - dependent

A

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.

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8
Q

What are the 3 processes involved in neuroplasticity?

A

Synaptogenesis
Synaptic pruning
Myelination

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9
Q

What is Synaptogenesis?

A

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

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10
Q

Define Synaptic pruning

A

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).

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11
Q

Define Myelination

A

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

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12
Q

Finish the sentence - As we gain new experiences…

A

some synaptic connections that are frequently used are strengthened.

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13
Q

What does repeated activation of a neural pathway do?

A

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

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14
Q

Highly used pathways are…

A

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

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15
Q

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

A

B

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16
Q

Define Adaptive Plasticity

A

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

17
Q

Define Brain Trauma and give examples

A

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

18
Q

What is Sprouting? (Adaptive Placticity)

A

the creation of new connections between neurons, or nerve cells

19
Q

What is Rerouting? (Adaptive Plasticity)

A

creating an alternative neural pathway by deleting damaged neurons and forming a new pathway between active neurons

20
Q

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)?

A

Mental Stimulation
Diet
Social Support
Physical Activity

21
Q

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

A

Examples:

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

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

22
Q

Explantion Of Diet in Maintaining and Maximising brain functioning.

A

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

23
Q

Explantion Of Physical Activity in Maintaining and Maximising brain functioning.

A

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.

24
Q

Explantion Of Social Support in Maintaining and Maximising brain functioning.

A

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.