6A - Neuroplasticity Flashcards
define neuroplasticity (simple)
he brain’s ability to change and adapt due to experience
What is a Synapse, and how it works.
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.
Define Neuroplasticity
is the ability of the brain to change its structure or function in response to experience or environmental stimulation
Why is the brain of a young child more ‘plastic’ than an adult?
to accommodate a wide range of environments and interactions. Mostly in sensitive periods.
What are the 2 factors influencing brain plasticity?
Experience-expectant & Experience-dependent
Define Experience - expectant and give examples
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
Define experience - dependent
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.
What are the 3 processes involved in neuroplasticity?
Synaptogenesis
Synaptic pruning
Myelination
What is Synaptogenesis?
The formation of synapses between neurons as axon terminals and dendrites grow. This is most intense during infancy, and reduces as you age.
Define Synaptic pruning
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).
Define Myelination
The formation and development of myelin around the axon of the neuron, this helps to make messages more efficient and quick.
Finish the sentence - As we gain new experiences…
some synaptic connections that are frequently used are strengthened.
What does repeated activation of a neural pathway do?
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
Highly used pathways are…
are easily activated, as they are often more efficient and ready to be activated together.
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
B
