Plasticity and Functional Recovery of the Brain after Trauma

Question 1

Neural Plasticity

Question 2

Plasticity

Answer 2

Brain’s capability to adapt and change both physically and functionally due to new experiences and learning.

Question 3

Functional Recovery

Answer 3

A form of plasticity in which functions lost due to brain damage are transferred to other undamaged areas.

Question 4

What was shown through Eleanor Maguire (2000) study?

Answer 4

London taxi drivers showed increased volume of grey matter in posterior hippocampus (spatial navigation), supporting idea that extensive learning changes the brain structure.

Question 5

What changes did Dranski (2006) observe

Answer 5

Learning-induced changes observed in student’s brains after exams, showing increase in grey matter in relevant areas.

Question 6

What did Mechelli (2004) find?

Answer 6

Found larger parietal cortex in bilingual compared to monolingual people.

Question 7

Functional Recovery after Trauma

Answer 7

After trauma, the brain often adapts and reorganises to compensate for lost functions, a process known as spontaneous recovery, which can happen shortly after trauma. Recovery often requires rehabilitation to improve the process.

Question 8

Axonal Sprouting

Answer 8

Growth of new nerve endings to form new neural pathways.

Question 9

Reformation of Blood Vessels

Answer 9

Essential for restoring oxygen supply to affected areas.

Question 10

Recruitment of Homologous Areas

Answer 10

Similar areas on the opposite hemisphere can sometimes take over the functions lost in damaged areas.