AOS 2 - Neurons Flashcards
What are 3 functions of a neuron?
- Recieving info
- Transmitting info between different neurons
- Sending info to the cells and muscles of the brain
STRUCTURE OF A NEURON
What do dendrites do?
Collect and store all incoming info from axon terminals.
STRUCTURE OF A NEURON
What do myelin do?
2 points
Acts as insulation, keeping nerve cells safe.
Allows electrical impulses to transmit quickly and efficiently along the nerve cells.
STRUCTURE OF A NEURON
What do axon terminals do?
Transmit messages to other cells via use of neurotransmitters at synapses.
What is neuroplasticity?
Ability of the brain to change in response to experience or environmental stimulation.
What are 3 neuroplasticity processes?
- Synaptogenesis
- Synaptic pruning
- Myelination
What is synaptogenesis?
3 points
Creation of new synapses within the brain.
Occurs when individual learns something new in order to retain and represent this learning.
Most intense at infancy.
What is synaptic pruning?
3 points
Elimination of weak or unused synaptic connections.
Frees up space in the brain and strengthens frequently used synapses.
Most intense ages 2-3 and adolescence.
What is myelination?
3 points
Formation of myelin around the axon of a neuron.
Results in more efficient communication of messages and an increase in brain size.
Most intense burst of
myelination occurs not long after birth
What is developmental plasticity?
Changes in the brain that occur in response to ageing and maturation.
3 Types of developmental plasticity?
Explain what each one means
Experience-independent - changes occur regardless of experience
Experience-expectant - changes triggered by specific environmental cues that brain expects to encounter
Experience-dependent - unique and personal changes that occur due to different situations
What is adaptive plasticity?
2 points
Ability of the brain to compensate for functions that may have been lost (often due to brain injury).
And to maximise its remaining functions.
What is a positive effect of adaptive plasticity?
Brain is able to shift functions from
damaged areas to undamaged areas, therefore makes sure that those functions aren’t lost.
What are the 2 neural processes that occur to allow the brain to recover lost functions?
Sprouting and rerouting
What is sprouting?
When a neuron grows extra dendrites, allowing it to connect with more neurons
