Biopsychology: Plasticity and functional recovery

Question 1

Define Plasticity

Answer 1

describes the brains tendency to change and adapt (functionally and physically) as a result of new learning or experience

Question 2

Synaptic pruning is

Answer 2

where rarely used connections are deleted and regularly used connections are strengthened

Question 3

Research into plasticity:

Answer 3

• Maguire studied brains of London taxi drivers and found more grey matter in posterior hippocampus compared to a control group
  Posterior hippocampus os related to navigation and spatial skills

Question 4

Define Functional recovery

Answer 4

a form of plasticity

brains ability to transfer functions from a damaged area to an undamaged area following trauma

Question 5

How does functional recovery work

Answer 5

1. Axonal sprouting (new nerve endings connect to undamaged nerve cells)
2. Reformation of blood vessels
3. Recruitment of homologous area on opposite hemisphere