Bio: Neuroplasticity

Question 1

Neuroplasticity (Brain Plasticity)

Answer 1

The brains ability to change and adapt the connections between neurons. This takes place due to learning or experience. In some cases, brain plasticity can help overcome damage to the brain.

Question 2

Neural Networks

Answer 2

A web of interconnected neurons. These are often pathways travelled by neurotransmitters within the brain. Researchers are trying to map neural networks in the Human Connectome Project

Question 3

Dendritic Branching

Answer 3

When learning occurs, dendrites grow to become thicker and they make more connections with neighboring neurons.

Question 4

Neural Pruning

Answer 4

The process where extra neurons are eliminated to increase the efficiency of neural connections. Pruning usually occurs most frequently between childhood and puberty.

Question 5

Neuroplasticity SAQ Intro

Answer 5

Introduction:
-Neuroplasticity- ability of the brain to adapt and change the connections between brain cells, neurons, over time
-Caused by brain development, diseases, learning or experiences.
-can help deal with and overcome brain damage
-easier in children, brain is more plastic and susceptible to change
-takes place through neural networks
-neurons interact through axons and dendrites at the end of the cells, creating a series of webbed interconnections, which create neural network and produce (or stop) a behaviour through dendritic branching and pruning.
- Repeating a behaviour strengthens the neural network, which causes the dendrites at the end of the neuron to branch as more connections with axons take place.
On the other hand, no repetition = pruning as the neural network associated with the behavior weakens, extra neurons are eliminated to increase efficiency. In some cases, pruning is normal and often happens between puberty and childhood.