brain plasticity and integration Flashcards
what is synaptic plasticity
the adaptability/changeability of neural connections is referred to as a synaptic plasticity
can existing synapses can be strengthened or weakened
YES, new synapses can be generated, existing synapses can shrink or be removed
what is long term potentiation (LTP)
- when the activation at one synapse is repeatedly accompanied by an action potential athe post synaptic neuron - making the synaptic connection stronger
- the post synaptic neuron will become more “sensitive” to neurotransmitter release from the presynaptic neuron and more likely to reach the threshold for activation
- increases the likelihood of post-synaptic potential and allows the neural signal to be transmitter more quickly
what si long term depression (LTD)
- opposite of LTP
- post-synaptic neuron becomes less sensitive to neurotransmitter released by the presynaptic neuron and will be less likely to fire in response
- memories fade and skills become lost if the neural networks that underlie them are not simulated sufficiently
- important complement to the strengthening of synaptic connections in LTP and weakens synaptic connections that are infrequently stimulated
- LTP and LTD adapt to current needs
what is neurogenesis
new neurons being generated
where is neurogenesis largely constricted to
hippocampus and olfactory bulb
what is the bad news of brain rehabilitation
- you can’t rewire your whole brain like self help books say
- neurogenesis doesnt occur in all brain regions
- some sustained impairment depending on severity of injury
- neurons that are destroyed are not typically replaced in the brain and function will remain impaired
what is the good news of brain rehabilitation
- because of LTP and LTD there is capacity for surviving neurons to adapt, increasing connections between healthy brain regions > weakening or removing connections with damaged areas
- leads to improved function and rehabilitation through “retraining” their brain to compensate for other lost functioning
what does motor control consist of
- eyes and ears providing visual and auditory cues
- sensory signals may be important for successful execution of the task other signals might be distracting
- brain must select relevant sensory cues depending on the current task or goals which are maintained in working memory and supported by within the frontal cortex
what are the different meanings of emotion
- consists of patterns in physiological response and species-typical behaviours
- psychological responses are accompanied by feelings
- feelings are motivators
- emotions are likely to have evolutionary significance
what are the three components of emotional responses
- behavioral
- autonomic
- hormonal
what do the behavioural responses include
- muscular changes that are appropriate to the situation that elicits them
what do autonomic responses include
- psychological changes induced by the autonomic nervous system facilitate the behavioural responses
what do the hormonal responses include
- hormone reinforce the autonomic changes
- adrenal gland secretes adrenaline
- adrenaline acts to increase blood flow to the muscles and cause nutrients stored in muscles to be converted into glucose
what do the integration responses do
- when all three (behavioural, autonomic, hormonal) are pushed into one
- amygdala plays an important role in coordinating the emotional response and sending the appropriate signals to the autonomic and hormonal responses
- emotional responses help to integrate incoming sensory signals and coordinate appropriate regulation of the brain and body
- the purpose of the emotion is to modify a persons experience and behaviour in a way that is appropriate for the context
