brain plasticity and recovery

Question 1

define plasticity

Answer 1

plasticity the brain adapts in both its function and structure as a result of a change in the environment. These changes could be due to damage, or to meet the cognitive demand and learning new skills

Question 2

Functional recovery

Answer 2

Functional recovery is the ability of the brain to transfer the functions of areas damaged through
trauma, to other healthy parts of the brain, thus allowing for normal functioning to carry on.

Question 3

what is synaptic pruning

Answer 3

synapses that are used frequently become stronger over time, however unused frequently connections are lost. This makes the brain more efficient communication over time

Question 4

what is axonal sprouting

Answer 4

Axonal sprouting is a process where fine nerve processes – sprouts – grow out from the intact axons to reinnervate denervated muscle fibers.

Question 5

what is denervation super sensitivuty

Answer 5

To compensate for the loss of axons in a pathway the remaining axons become more sensitive (more likely to fire) This can result in side effects such as pain