Brain plasticity Flashcards
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)
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.
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.
-Wall 1977
Brain’s ability to rewire can have maladaptive consequences instead of functional.
Weakness- Medina et al found that prolonged drug use leads to early dementia and poorer cognitive functions.
Practical applications from plasticity research
Strength- Constraint- induced movement therapy produces cortical reorganisation resulting in regained or improved functions.
Difficult to generalise plasticity findings
Maguire et al- 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 et al looking at somatosensory cortex of musicians for finger dexterity.
