unit 3 aos 2

Question 1

neural plasicity

Answer 1

the way the brain remains malleable and changes in response to experiences over a lifetime. Neural connections are constantly being formed, removed and remade.

Question 2

state the types of plasticity (2)

Answer 2

developmental and adaptive

Question 3

developmental plasticity

Answer 3

changes to the brain that occur in response to stimulation we receive during stages of foetal development, infancy, childhood and adolescence

Question 4

adaptive plasticity

Answer 4

changes to the association areas of the cerebral cortices that occur in response to stimulation we receive throughout our lifetime

Question 5

long term potentation

Answer 5

results in a persistent enhancement of synaptic transmission between neurons, making both neurons more likely to fire when stimulated by less energy. activity/experience dependant meaning it wont occur without sufficient stimulation. creates new neural pathways and strengthens existing ones

Question 6

long term depression

Answer 6

occurs when the efficiency of synaptic transmission between neurons is reduced. will occur if message being sent from pre synaptic neuron is weak. leads to a reduced action potential, as post synaptic neuron becomes less responsive to glutamate. removes unused synapses, making learning and memory more efficient

Question 7

neurotransmitters

Answer 7

a chemical messenger synthesised within the pre synaptic neuron and transmitted across the synapse. they either stimulate/inhibit the action potential of that neuron

Question 8

neurohormone

Answer 8

a chemical synthesised in the neuron that is secreted directly into the bloodstream to act on distant sites

Question 9

synaptic plasticity

Answer 9

changes that occur to the synapse which lead to an increase/decrease in activity between neurons. enables a flexible functioning nervous system