Biopsychology - Plasticity and Functional Recovery Flashcards
What is plasticity?
The brain’s ability to change and adapt it’s structures and processes as a consequence of experience and new learning
What happens during synaptic pruning?
As we age, connections that are not used regularly are deleted and ones that are used regularly are strengthened
What does research suggest about synaptic pruning?
Any time in life existing neural connections can change or new connections can be formed between neurons as a result of learning and experience
Who conducted research investigating plasticity?
Maguire et al (2000)
Who’s brains were studied?
London Taxi drivers
What was found in Maguire’s research?
There was a greater volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampus (spacial and navigational skills) in those who had been a taxi driver for a long time compared to the drivers who had been a taxi driver for a short time
What does Maguire’s research suggest?
The structure of their brain had been altered by their experience (= plasticity)
What is functional recovery?
A type of plasticity which refers to recovery of abilities of mental processes that have been affected as a result of brain of damage or disease
What happens in functional recovery?
- The brain is able to rewire itself, forming new synaptic connections close to the damaged area of the brain
- Secondary neural pathways are activated to enable functioning to continue
- Creates a number of structural changes in the brain
What is Axonal Sprouting?
The growth of new nerve endings which connect with other undamaged nerve calls to form new neuronal pathways
What is Recruitment of Homologous areas?
Areas from the opposite side of the brain take over the function of the damaged area of the brain
