NeuroscienceLesson 1 of 1 in the course Synaptic plasticity and memory

Neuroplasticity: Mechanisms, Learning, Rehabilitation, and Adaptation

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

This lesson introduces neuroplasticity, the brain’s capacity to change, and traces how scientific understanding of this capacity developed.

Neuroplasticity, also called neural plasticity, is the ability of neural networks to change through growth and reorganization. The brain can alter its connections and activity in response to learning, environmental changes, injury, or sensory and cognitive challenges. These changes can range from new connections between individual neurons to larger-scale changes in brain maps and network activity.

All flashcards

Structural neuroplasticity
Physical changes in brain anatomy, such as altered circuits, dendritic spines, or synaptic structure.
Functional neuroplasticity
Changes in how neural networks perform tasks or organize their functional properties.
Intrinsic plasticity
A change in how readily a neuron responds to input, rather than a change limited to synaptic strength.
Activity-dependent plasticity
Neural change associated with prior activity, including changes at synapses.
Maladaptive plasticity
Neural change that contributes to harmful outcomes, such as persistent pain.

Quiz questions

  1. When a brain region deprived of its usual sensory input begins processing information from another sensory modality, what form of functional plasticity is this?Answer: Cross-modal reassignment.
  2. In homologous area adaptation, what may happen after damage to a brain region?Answer: A corresponding region in the opposite hemisphere assumes a cognitive function.
  3. What does neurogenesis mean?Answer: The creation of new neurons.
  4. What is the primary purpose of repeated, goal-directed practice in rehabilitation after brain injury?Answer: To engage neural systems in support of behavioral recovery.
  5. What does compensatory masquerade describe?Answer: Using a different cognitive process to accomplish a familiar task when the usual process is impaired.

Based on the Wikipedia article Neuroplasticity, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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