Unit 4 - Option C - Neurobiology(Part1)Howthebraindevelops

Question 1

what is neuroplasticity?

Answer 1

the brain’s ability to change and adapt by forming new connections between neurons.

Question 2

why do new connections form between neurones

Answer 2

in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage or disfunction

Question 3

what happens following damage (e.g stroke) to the brain

Answer 3

undamaged axons grow new nerve endings to reconnect damage neurones = new neural pathways.

Question 4

what allows the brain to compensate for injury or change in environment?

Answer 4

neuroplasticity

Question 5

when does developmental plasticity occur

Answer 5

when neurones in the young brain form synapses.
as sensory information is processed, sone synapses strengthen while others weaken.

Question 6

what happens to unused synapses when developmental plasticity occurs

Answer 6

the are eliminated completely

Question 7

what is synapse pruning

Answer 7

when unused synapses are eliminated completely