plasticity

Question 1

what does plasticity refer to ?

Answer 1

• refers to the brains ability to change + adapt functionally and physically as a result of experience and learning

Question 2

what has recent evidence suggested about plasticity ?

Answer 2

• it has suggested that this process continues into adulthood

Question 3

what part of the neuron cannot be replaced and what may be replaced in some cases ?

Answer 3

• cell body cannot be replaced
• in some cases the axon can

Question 4

when can plasticity occur ?

Answer 4

• plasticity can happen during learning or functional recovery when damages is occurred

Question 5

2 main anatomical ways that the body can replace axon function in the brain after trauma ?

Answer 5

• increased brain stimulation through extensive rehabilitation can lead to partial or full recovery of the axon function
• axon sprouting

Question 6

increased brain stimulation

Answer 6

• as neurons are damaged there is an effect on the neighbouring neurons as they no longer have input
• this happens with the hemispheres too
• although damage may only be on one side, the other hemispheric functions at a lower level too as it has reduced input

Question 7

axon sprouting

Answer 7

• when an axon is damaged its connection with a neighbouring neuron is lost
• in some cases, other axons that already connect with that neuron will sprout extra connections to the neuron, replacing the ones that have been destroyed

Question 8

when does axon sprouting occur ?

Answer 8

at most 2 weeks after damage hapoens

Question 9

what does axon sprouting help with ?

Answer 9

• it helps to replace function
• but only if the damaged axon and the complementary axons do a similar job
• if not problems can occur