Chapter 3 - Part 2 Flashcards
Synaptogenesis
the process by which neurons form synapses with other neurons.
Synaptogenesis results in __________.
trillions of connection.
The last area to mature is the _____________________.
dorsolateral prefrontal cortex.
Synthesia
the blending of different types of sensory input.
Synaptic pruning
process through which synapses that are rarely activated are eliminated.
Synaptic pruning is important for
executive function
Neural Darwinism
synapses that are frequently activated are selectively preserved.
Plasticity
the capacity of the brain to be affected by the experience.
Two Kinds of Plasticity
- ) Experience-expectant
2. ) Experience-dependent
Experience-expectant plasticity
the process through which the normal wiring of the brain occurs in part as a result of experiences.
Sensitive periods
when the human brain is especially sensitive to particular kinds of external stimuli.
Pros of experience-expectant plasticity
- fewer genes need to be dedicated to normal development.
- brain is better able to recover from injury.
Cons of experience-expectant plasticity
Vulnerability
- Ex: kittens & monocular deprivation.
Vulnerability
if experience that the developing brain is “expecting” does not occur, development may be compromised.
Experience-dependent plasticity
the process through which neural connections are created and reorganized throughout life as a function of an individual’s experiences.
