Neuroplasticity

Question 1

Three things that change the brain through neuroplasticity:

Answer 1

Normal development and maturation
Acquisition of new skills
Following damage to nervous system

Question 2

Good for neuroplasticity:

Answer 2

Repetition
External cues
Variability
Error augmentation
Intensity

Question 3

Describe Hebb’s Theory:

Answer 3

When one neuron repeatedly activates another neuron, the connection between the two neurons strengthens.

“Neurons that fire together, wire together.”

Question 4

Three domains of neural plasticity:

Answer 4

Structural plasticity
Synaptic plasticity
Unmasking

Question 5

What is structural plasticity?

Answer 5

Increase, decrease or new connections between neurons. One axon terminal may become three or more. On postsynaptic side, dendrites will increase in size and number. Known as dendritic arborization.

Question 6

What is synaptic plasticity?

Answer 6

Amount of neurotransmitter released, number of neurotransmitter receptors, and receptor sensitivity can all change.

Question 7

What is unmasking?

Answer 7

A process that activates alternate neural pathways and synapses to take over a function when the primary system fails.

Think construction on google maps. Finds a new route to accomplish the same destination.