Plasticity And Functional Recovery Of The Brain Flashcards
What is plasticity?
The brain’s ability to change and adapt as a result of new experiences and learning
What is functional recovery?
The brain’s ability to transfer the functions of areas damaged through trauma, to other healthy parts of the brain
What is synaptic pruning?
When a weakened synapse is eliminated in order to increase the efficiency of neuronal transmissions
How did Maguire et al (2000) research plasticity?
They studied the brains of London taxi drivers through MRI scans and compared to a control group
What did Maguire et al (2000) find from their study of London taxi drivers?
A larger grey matter volume in the mid posterior hippocampi.
A positive correlation between increasing grey matter volume and the longer the individuals had been taxi drivers.
Why is it a strength that Maguire et al (2000) used a control group?
It allows us to say there is a significant difference between taxi drivers and others
Why is it a strength that Maguire et al (2000) used MRI scans?
Provides objective, scientific proof
What is a limitation of Maguire et al’s (2000) research?
It is unknown whether some taxi drivers may have had existing differences which allowed them to pass ‘The Knowledge’ test (e.g. IQ)
What is axonal sprouting?
The formation of new synapses and strengthening of axonal connections between damaged and healthy areas
Aside from axonal sprouting ,what two other processes occur during functional recovery?
Reformation of blood vessels
Recruiting homologous areas
What is a strength of Neuroplasticity research?
It has contributed to the field of neurorehabilitation
What are four factors that affect functional recovery?
Alcohol consumption/exhaustion/stress
Age
Gender
Education
What is a case study for functional recovery?
Gabby Giffords
What happened to Gabby Giffords?
Shot in the head in 2011, but within months, she was able to walk with supervision and had full control of her left arm and leg. She could also read, understand and speak short phrases.
