plasticity and lateralization

Question 1

what is neural plasticity?

Answer 1

the ability of neurons to change in structure and function over time

Question 2

neural plasticity is demonstrated by various effects relating to?

Answer 2

the environment and experience

Question 3

when does greater plasticity occur? why?

Answer 3

earlier on in life because children have more synapses then adults

Question 4

what happens during pruning?

Answer 4

unused synapses deteriorate when not utilized

Question 5

what is neurogenesis?

Answer 5

we can create brand new neurons that have various modulators (drugs, stress, exercise)

Question 6

what is laterialization?

Answer 6

the tendency for some cognitive functions to be localized to one hemisphere

Question 7

what is the function of the corpus callosum?

Answer 7

where the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex can communicate

Question 8

what is lateralized in the left hemisphere?

Answer 8

language, logic, positive emotion

Question 9

what is lateralized in the right hemisphere?

Answer 9

spatial processing, melody perception, imagery, negative emotion