Biopsychology- Plasticity

Question 1

What is plasticity?

Answer 1

The brain has the ability to alter its structure and function in response to changes in the environment

Question 2

How does plasticity work?

Answer 2

• Information takes a pathway through the brain
• New neural pathways begin to form when we’re presented with new information
• The more a pathway is used, the stronger the connections between neurons become
• If a neural pathway is not used it becomes weaker

Question 3

What can cause loss of function?

Answer 3

Brain damage

Question 4

What is functional recovery?

Answer 4

The brain can recover some of the lost function via plasticity

Question 5

What is constraint-induced movement therapy?

Answer 5

Some patients are prevented from using their non-affected side after a stroke so this forces them to ‘re-learn’ how to use their affected side

Question 6

What is constraint-induced movement therapy?

Answer 6

Some patients are prevented from using their non-affected side after a stroke so this forces them to ‘re-learn’ how to use their affected side