Exam-like Questions: Neuroplasticity

Question 1

What is neuroplasticity?

Answer 1

The brain’s adaptive power to reorganize and form new neural connections in response to learning, experience, or injury.

Neuroplasticity encompasses various processes, including strengthening, reorganization, neurogenesis, and pruning.

Question 2

Define structural plasticity.

Answer 2

Physical changes in the brain’s structure.

Mechanisms include neurogenesis, synaptic remodeling, and dendritic branching.

Question 3

What is functional plasticity?

Answer 3

Reorganization of brain functions in response to experience.

Mechanisms include neural pathway reorganization.

Question 4

What is the difference between short-term and long-term plasticity?

Answer 4

Short-term plasticity involves immediate, temporary changes in synaptic strength, while long-term plasticity involves enduring changes in synaptic strength and structure.

Long-term plasticity mechanisms include Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) and Long-Term Depression (LTD).

Question 5

True or False: Neurogenesis occurs only in early development.

Answer 5

False.

New neurons can form in specific regions, such as the hippocampus, even in adulthood.

Question 6

What was discovered in the study of London taxi drivers?

Answer 6

Taxi drivers had larger posterior hippocampi linked to spatial memory, which grew with years of driving.

Their anterior hippocampi were smaller, indicating experience-dependent plasticity.

Question 7

Define Hebbian plasticity.

Answer 7

Change of the synaptic strength depending on the level of neuronal activity after stimulation.

It involves rapid changes and can lead to network instability if unchecked.

Question 8

What is homeostatic plasticity?

Answer 8

Synaptic changes that counterbalance those induced by Hebbian plasticity.

It involves slower changes and maintains network stability.

Question 9

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)?

Answer 9

Enduring increases in synaptic strength associated with persistent stimulation.

It is characterized by a series of molecular cascades leading to structural changes.

Question 10

What is long-term depression (LTD)?

Answer 10

Enduring reductions in synaptic efficacy driven by activity.

LTD helps encode distinct aspects of memory-inducing events.

Question 11

What does the endogenous cannabinoids system (eCBs) do in synaptic plasticity?

Answer 11

Strengthens and weakens neural connections that underlie learning and memory.

eCBs send retrograde signals to the presynaptic neuron.

Question 12

Fill in the blank: Maladaptive plasticity can lead to _______.

Answer 12

[disruption of function].

Examples include phantom limb pain, tinnitus, and chronic pain.

Question 13

What is musician’s dystonia?

Answer 13

A painless loss of muscular control localized to a specific body part due to pathological brain plasticity.

It affects about 1-2% of all professional musicians.

Question 14

What factors influence neuroplasticity during the prenatal period?

Answer 14

Maternal diet, exposure to toxins, and infections during pregnancy.

These factors can significantly impact brain development.

Question 15

List factors influencing neuroplasticity in adulthood.

Answer 15

• Aging
• Neurodegeneration
• Lifestyle
• Diet
• Physical exercise
• Sleep quality
• Stress
• Cognitive stimulation and socialization
• Traumas and different health conditions.

Question 16

What is brain stimulation?

Answer 16

Application of controlled electrical or magnetic stimuli to induce electric current in the brain.

It can excite or inhibit neural activity and modulate abnormal firing.

Question 17

What is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)?

Answer 17

A non-invasive method that uses magnetic fields to induce electric currents in the brain.

It is effective for targeted stimulation but can be expensive and require multiple sessions.

Question 18

What is optogenetics?

Answer 18

A technique that uses light to control genetically engineered cells sensitive to light.

This allows precise manipulation of neuronal activity and promotes neuroplasticity.

Question 19

What are genetically engineered cells made sensitive to light called?

Answer 19

Light-sensitive cells

These cells can be activated or inhibited by shining light.

Question 20

What is introduced into specific neurons to make them light-sensitive?

Answer 20

Gene encoding a light-sensitive protein

This gene allows for precise manipulation of neuronal activity.

Question 21

How can researchers manipulate neuronal activity in light-sensitive cells?

Answer 21

By controlling the light

This method can promote neuroplasticity.

Question 22

What type of psychedelics activate the 5-HT2A receptor to enhance plasticity?

Answer 22

Serotonergic psychedelics

This activation triggers a cascade of mechanisms that enhance plasticity.

Question 23

What drug blocks NMDA glutamate receptors to enhance plasticity?

Answer 23

Ketamine

This blockage initiates a cascade of mechanisms that improve plasticity.

Question 24

Which substances have a similar mechanism to ketamine in enhancing plasticity?

Answer 24

DMT and 5-MeO-DMT

They also work through a cascade of mechanisms.

Question 25

What is the first controversy related to neuroplasticity?

Answer 25

Maladaptive Plasticity

This refers to the reinforcement of harmful behaviors, pain, or abnormal motor patterns.

Question 26

What unintended consequence can arise from stimulating neuroplasticity?

Answer 26

Unintended Consequences

Lack of specificity can cause efforts to backfire if not well-regulated.

Question 27

What is a common issue with popular claims about neuroplasticity?

Answer 27

Oversimplification and Misrepresentation

Claims often oversell potential or ignore complexities, especially when profitable.

Question 28

Fill in the blank: The hype around _______ mushroom is an example of overselling neuroplasticity.

Answer 28

Lion’s Mane

It is often marketed as a ‘brain-boosting’ supplement.