neural plasticity Flashcards
neural plasticity
the brains ability to change at any age - for better or for worse
can result from
stress, emotions, physical activity, social interaction, diet, new experiences, trauma
why is it important
- plays an important role in our brains development or decline
- shaping distinct personalities
adaptive plasticity
- the reorganisation of neural connections in response to learning new information
OR - to compensate for lost functions
which ages shows greater plasticity?
childrens
eg children can learn a language faster than adults
developmental plasticity
-process of strengthening new and frequently activated neural connections through experience with the environment
- ## also eliminates weak connections that are not used
what is the 5 stages of developing neurons (PMSSM)
- proliferation
-migration
-synaptogenesis
-synaptic pruning
-myelination
Proliferation
- mostly formed when born
-growth and division of neurons
Migration
movement of new cells to their final location by moving along fibres and chemical trails
- ends around 5 months of age
Synaptogenesis
when axons of new neurons grow out to target cells and form synapses with them
Synaptic pruning
when excess neurons and synapses are eliminated with the aim to reduce the number of ineffective and unused neurons
Myelination
when axons of a neuron in a child’s brain are covered in myelin which helps protect and speed up electrical signals
rerouting
new neural connections are made between neuron and other active neurons
sprouting
growth of new dendrites enable to neuron to form new connections with others
amygdala
helps response to the environment
- hormones target the amygdala
what happens when the amygdala is in control? (adolescence)
it responds directly to emotions
eg fear = aggressive behaviour towards people
when does the prefrontal cortex have a growth spurt
ages 3 - 6
