Neuroplasticity Flashcards
Definition of plasticity =
???
Hierarchical control model =
higher brain centers control primitvie behaviors in lower brain centers
Localization of function (hierarchical control model) =
specific brain areas control specific functions
Is there regeneration in CNS in hierarchical control model?
no, no regeneration in CNS because in inability of central axons to regenerate following lesions [they try]
Distributed systems model =
numerous reciprocal connections between and within levels of CNS. ; information and motor commands flow in all directions
In distributed systems model, function is a cooperative effort among regions of the CNS. Control site depends on what?
the task to be executed [ voluntary movement - area 4 vs automatic movement - area 6; both may be active]
Habituation =
decrease in a response due to a decrease in the synaptic effectiveness (↓ neurotransmitter released from presynaptic membrane)
What will habituation eventually result in?
decreased number of synaptic connections [synapses need activity to remain viable]
Sensitization =
enhancement of synaptic transmission.
Experience with one type of stimulus (i.e. painful) enhances responsiveness to other stimuli (i.e. nonpainful)
What type of synapses does sensitization involve?
axo-axonal synapses (presynaptic)
In the process of sensitization, what do facilitating neurons do?
(some which are serotonergic) enhance transmitter release from the sensory neurons by increasing the amount of second messenger cAMP in the sensory neurons.
In sensitization, the effects are short-term, but with repeated exposure to stimulus, long-term changes may occur that _______________________________________.
involve the synthesis of new protein and gene activation (mRNA).
Long-term potentiation =
cellular mechanism proposed for formation of consolidation of memories through hippocampal formation.
In long-term potentiation, cooperative and associative activation of numerous neurons in the hippocampal formation increases ___________________________________. What are the effects of the LTP?
the amplitude of ESPS’s (increased depolarization) on a receptive cell.
are specific to those synapses that are activated by the stimulus.
Long term depression =
cerebellar cortical circuitry proposed to be responsible for motor learning.
What is the essential process of long-term depression?
the persistent desensitization of selective glutamate receptors that mediate mossy fiber –> parallel fiber –> Purkinje cell transmission.
In long term depression, climbing fibers play a leading role in induction of LTD. Climbing fibers monitor the performance of a system in which the cerebellar circuitry plays a role and informs Purkinje cells about what?
control errors due to misperformance of the plan.
What is a classic example of long term depression?
a change in gain of VOR is a classic example of this form of plasticity.
What is development though to serve as?
a process template for later neuroplastic changes.
radial glial cells =
guidance system for neuronal migration in neural tube
process growth -
the axons and dendrites extend outward from the soma, the axon first process in vivo.
In process growth, in vitro (petri dish), undetermined neurite outgrowth occurs until a “guiding signal” is:
recognized that determines axon vs dendrite
What is the guidance of the process (axon and dendrites) formation governed by?
governed and directed by a number of external signals
What is a growth cone?
enlarged tip of growth cone with multiple filopodia or lamellipodia