sac 5 brain processes

Question 1

myelination

Answer 1

• production of myelin on neurons
• starts on the hind brain, then later the midbrain and forebrain
• occurs in sensory and motor areas, then association areas, and complex functions are myelinated last

Question 2

synaptogenesis

Answer 2

• formation of new synapses between the brain neurons
• occurs more quickly in sensory and motor areas than in associated areas
• occurs most rapidly in the first 15 months

Question 3

synaptic pruning

Answer 3

use it or lose it buddy :/

• there is a burst in synaptic pruning in adolescence that stabilises around the age of pruning
• when specific neurons aren’t used they are pruned

Question 4

what is the last part of the brain to fully develop

Answer 4

prefrontal cortex. that’s why teenagers are societal idiots

Question 5

adaptive plasticity

Answer 5

the ability of the brain to compensate for lost function and/or maximise remaining functions in the event of brain injury
- Adaptive plasticity is quicker in the developing
brain, as we grow older the brain loses
some ability to compensate for damage

Question 6

adaptive plasticity involves

Answer 6

REROUTING
an undamaged neuron that has lost a connection with a neuron may seek a new active neuron to connect with
SPROUTING
the growth of additional branches on axons or dendrites to enable new connections

Question 7

brain plasticity

Answer 7

the ability of the brain to change in response to experience

• Individual neurons can be modified during development when we are younger and during learning
• child brains are more plastic
• unclear if all parts of brain are plastic
• sensory & motor cortices are more plastic than others

Question 8

two kinds of brain plasticity

Answer 8

developmental plasticity - when child and learning

adaptive plasticity - response to brain trauma/injury