Neuroplasticity Flashcards
What is neuroplasticity? What are some possible mechanisms?
the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. mechanisms include synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis, fiber sprouting and axonal plasticity, network connectivity remapping, modulation of neurotransmitters and metabolic factors, functional remapping
Neurogenesis in adults has been found in which brain structures?
Dentate gyrus (hippocampus), also the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles
Pic = SVZ
What is synaptic plasticity? What are some possible mechanisms of synaptic plasticity?
Synaptic plasticity is the experience-dependent change in connectivity between neurons that is believed to underlie learning and memory. Mechanisms include modulation of neurotransmitter release, trans-synaptic signaling, postsynaptic receptor dynamics, gene expression within neurons.
What is Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD)?
LTP - strengthening of synaptic transmission (heightened synaptic efficacy). It is dependent on glutamate, specifically the NMDA (induction) and AMPA (expression) receptors.
LTD - Synaptic weakening by low-frequency stimulation
LTP is isolated to the hippocampus. Yes/No
No. LTP also exists in many other regions of the nervous system, including the neocortex, striatum, amygdala, thalamus, cerebellum, and spinal cord.
What were the structural changes induced by juggling training in the study by Draganski et al. (2004)? What method was used to measure those?
Significant increase in gray matter density in extrastriate cortex (V5/MT) detected by voxel-based morphometry (VBM).
Plasticity induced by lesions is confined to the affected hemisphere only. Yes/No
No, there are functional and metabolic changes also observed in the contralateral hemisphere, as well as alteration of inter-hemispheric functional connectivity
