Plasticity Flashcards
What is synaptic plasticity
Synaptic plasticity refers to a change in the efficacy of synapses. This change may take the form of either an increase or a decrease in the strength of connections between neurons.
What are the 2 forms of synaptic plasticity
Short-term (Changes in synaptic strength that occur within a matter of milliseconds to a few minutes and are thought to be the basis for short-term memory and decision making) Long term (Changes in synaptic efficacy that last more than a few minutes and are thought to be the basis for the formation of long-term memories. Results from long-term potentiation, in which synapses are strengthened, and long term depression in which synapses are weakened )
Name 4 ways in which synaptic plasticity can occur
Repeated stimulation of a synapse can induce:
• An increase in the amount of neurotransmitter release by the presynaptic neuron
• A change in the size of the postsynaptic membrane and in the number and sensitivity of receptors
• A general increase in the size of the synapse on both pre and post synaptic sides
The enlargement or branching of dendritic spines
What is functional plasticity
functional changes in a brain area to compensate for damage to another area or changes in the body
What is structural plasticity
changes in brain structure in response to extensive practice of motor or cognitive skills; likely to occur in brain areas associated with the extended practice of any skill
What is phantom limb
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What is neuroplasticity
ability of the brain to change its structure and function.
What is structural remodeling
synaptic adaptation through altering of synaptic connections (in already established synapses)
What is neurogenesis?
formation of new neurons from stem cells within the brain, which can then form new circuits
Where does neurogenesis mainly happens?
In the hippocampus
What can environmental enrichment do to neurons?
rats reared as pets performed better at solving mazes than rats raised in standard lab conditions; may be related to enriched experience which facilitates learning
The type of stimuli used is linked with the part of the brain experiencing neural plasticity (ex: visual stimuli = visual cortex)
How can stress alter structural remodeling?
structural remodeling of neurons may also underlie impairments due to chronic stress
What is cortical plasticity?
changes in the functions of cortical areas or in the organization of nerve fibers that run through them
What is focal task-specific Dystonia (FTSD)?
a motor disorder that interferes with movements involved in performing highly practiced tasks. Typical symptoms include involuntary movements and muscle cramping. (the boundaries in the brain separating the sections responsible for different parts of the body are blurred)
What is sensorimotor retuning?
Procedure done to re-establish the boundaries between the different parts of the brain controlling different parts of the body
