Brain Plasticity and functional recovery of the brain

Question 1

what is neural plasticity

Answer 1

ability of the brain to change and adapt its structures and processes as a result of development, experience and new learning

Question 2

what did Maguire et al. (2000) find when studying neural plasticity?

Answer 2

significantly more volume of grey matter in the posterior hippocampus in london taxi drivers than a control group.

Question 3

how does maguire (2000) study support neural plasticity?

Answer 3

showed that brain structure changed as a result of learning experience (‘the Knowledge’ test)

Question 4

who studied medical students to study plasticity?

Answer 4

Draganski et al. (2006)

Question 5

what did Draganski (2006) find?

Answer 5

learning induced changes - @ posterior hippocampus and the pareital cortex

Question 6

what practical application does plasticity have?

Answer 6

contriubted to the field of neurorehabilitation

Question 7

what does neurorehabilitation do?

Answer 7

counters defecits to cognitive functioning experienced following a stroke

Question 8

what are 2 potential negative consequences of nerural plasticity?

Answer 8

1. phantom limb syndrome (60–80% amputees xp)
2. prolonged drug use (poorer cognitive functioning)

Question 9

what is functional recovery of the brain after trauma?

Answer 9

healthy brain areas take over functions of areas damaged

Question 10

how is the brain able to rewire and reorganise itself?

Answer 10

• forms new synapatic connections close to the area of damage
• secondary neural pathways (not typically used for certain functions) are activated or ‘unmasked’ - so functioning can continue

Question 11

name 3 structural changes

Answer 11

1. axonal sprouting
2. reformation blood vessels
3. recruitment of homologous areas on opposite side

Question 12

what is axonal sprouting?

Answer 12

• growth - new nerve endings
• connect - other undamaged cells
• form - new neuronal pathways