Brain plasticity Flashcards
(16 cards)
What is Synaptic Pruning
Synapses and connections are winnowed down and shrunk as they are no longer needed.
What are Experiences
Reinforced information in order to apply it to future experiences.
What is Cortical remapping
The formation of new neural pathways.
What is adapting
A structural change to neural connections already made.
When can new neural connections be made
Can be made based on experiences.
What is Brain Plasticity
The brain’s ability to change and adapt it’s structures and functions as a result of new experiences and learning.
What is Functional recovery
Redistribution and transference of functions previously performed by damaged areas after a traumatic brain injury.
Recruitment of the Homologous Area
Areas which haven’t been used before use existing structures to function in a different way. (dual carriageway)
What is axonal sprouting
Growing new nerve endings to join undamaged neurons, creating new pathways.
Reformation of blood vessels
Supporting and reinforcing the new neural pathways with blood vessels.
What is neuronal unmasking
Dominant synapses don’t function due to less neural input. When the surrounding brain area is damages, there is increased input in the synapses which opens the previously dormant synapses activating them to replace the area.
Brain’s ability to rewire can having maladaptive consequences
Medina found that prolonged drug use leads to early dementia and poorer cognitive functions.
Real world application from plasticity research
Constraint-induced movement therapy produces cortical reorganisation resulting in regained or improved functions.
Difficult to generalise plasticity findings
Maguire’s research on group of taxi drivers in London about their memory of the streets, however this is not the same for everyone.
High validity for plasticity.
Studies focus on cortical representation such as Elbert looking at somatosensory cortex of musicians for finger dexterity.
What is Cortical representation
Areas of the motor cortex or somatosensory cortex of the brain represents different parts of the body.
