Neural Basis of learning Flashcards
Define Neural Plasticity
the physiological basis of learning providing the brain with a way to continually respond to environmental input
What are the two types of Neural plasticity?
Developmental Plasticity, Adaptive plasticity
What is Developmental plasticity? Name the five processes growth and development
- the physiological basis of learning experienced by CHI LDREN.
- proliferation
- migration
- circuit forming
- circuit pruning
- myelination
Breifly define the five processes in Developmental Plasticity
- proliferation - neurons grow + develop in brain
- migration- neurons move to specific areas of brain + body
- circuit formation- axons grow and make connection
- circuit pruning- unused circuits are pruned
- myelination- axons myelinated in fatty shealth for insulation and faster electrical transmission
What is adaptive plasticity?
a physiological based learning - occurs in both children and adults
brain constantly adapts to experience
In adaptive plasticity brain constantly adapts to experience due to which three factors?
- learning + experinece
- trauma (head injury)
- disease (eg.tumour)
In Adaptive Plasticity, what happens to neurons in the brain?
Rerouting –> a neuron that losses its connection finds another neuron to connect with\
Sprouting –> growth of new nerve fibre with more connection branches
When learning stops, what happens to neurons?
they are PRUNED
The brain of children are more plastic, hence they tend to __________________
learn new info/skills quicker
What does Long term potentiation refer to?
the increased likelihood of a group of neurons to fire together due to repeated electrical stimulation
What does Long term depression (LTD) refer to?
the decreased likelihood of a group of neurons to fire together DUE to decreased electrical stimulation
Synaptogenesis is the process of….
moulding/forming new synapses when learning occurs and memory is formed
LTP results in the creation of ….
new neural pathways or strengtehing of existing pathways
In Synaptogenesis, what are the FUNCTIONAL changes of neurons?
- axon terminals release the neurotransmitter Glutamate
- repeated learning = increased Glutamate released
In Synaptogenesis, what are the Structural changes in neurons?
- glutamate recieved by post synaptic neuron triggers release of Dopamine
- ## which encourages new spouts FILIGREE APPENDAGES + DENDRITE SPINES
