Plasticity

Question 1

Plasticity

Answer 1

Brain’s ability to adapt / shape to changes
Change in / new neural connections

Question 2

When does plasticity occur?

Answer 2

Beginning of life - organises itself
Injury - compensates lost functions
Adulthood - learning / memory

Question 3

Types of plasticity

Answer 3

Functional
Structural

Question 4

Functional plasticity

Answer 4

Ability to move functions from damaged to non damaged areas

Question 5

Structural plasticity

Answer 5

Ability to change physical structures due to learning

Question 6

Synaptic pruning

Answer 6

Connections strengthened / eliminated as grow up

Question 7

Functional recovery

Answer 7

Following physical injury / trauma - brain able to adapt for injured areas
Brain can rewire - functions regained

Question 8

Axonal sprouting

Answer 8

Growth of new nerve endings and connection to undamaged nerve cells to create new pathways

Question 9

Recruitment of homologous areas

Answer 9

Move function to different similar area to allow function
Often in opposite hemisphere

Question 10

Maguire

Answer 10

Larger hippocampus in longer taxi drivers
associated with navigation skills - learning

Question 11

Gopnick

Answer 11

Ages 2-3 = 15,000 neural pathways

Question 12

Mechelli

Answer 12

2nd language = larger parietal cortex - learning

Question 13

Boyke

Answer 13

60 y.o learning new skills
Increasing grey matter in visual cortex
Reversed with no practise

Question 14

Strengths of plasticity

Answer 14

Objective measures - brain scans
Ecological validity in research - Maguire
Practical application - neurorehabilitation

Question 15

Weaknesses of plasticity

Answer 15

Reliance on case studies