"Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity, or brain plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization."
The brain's ability to change and adapt in response to experiences.
Neurons: These are the cells that make up the basic building blocks of the brain and allow it to work.
Synapses: Synapses are the small gaps between neurons that allow information to be transmitted from one neuron to another.
Neurotransmitters: These are chemicals that carry information across the synapse, allowing neurons to communicate with each other.
Brain structure and function: Understanding the structure and function of the brain is crucial when studying neuroplasticity.
Brain plasticity: Brain plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change and adapt in response to new experiences and learning.
Neurogenesis: This is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain, which can contribute to brain plasticity.
Neurocircuitry: The way in which neurons are connected within the brain is also important when studying neuroplasticity.
Neural pathways: These are the pathways through which information travels in the brain, and they can be altered through learning.
Learning and memory: The brain's ability to learn and remember new information is central to neuroplasticity.
Epigenetics: Epigenetics refers to the way in which environmental factors can influence gene expression, and how this can impact brain plasticity.
Neurological disorders: An understanding of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's is needed when studying neuroplasticity.
Brain injury and recovery: Brain injury can impact neuroplasticity, and an understanding of recovery is important when studying brain plasticity.
Brain imaging techniques: Techniques such as fMRI and PET scans allow researchers to study the brain and its plasticity.
Brain stimulation techniques: Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation can be used to stimulate the brain and study neuroplasticity.
Quantitative EEG: EEG (electroencephalography) can be used to measure brainwave activity, which can be used to study neuroplasticity.
Long-term potentiation (LTP): This type of neuroplasticity involves strengthening the connections between neurons in response to repeated patterns of stimulation. It is often associated with learning and memory.
Long-term depression (LTD): This type of neuroplasticity involves weakening the connections between neurons in response to reduced patterns of stimulation. It is often associated with forgetting and unlearning.
Synaptic pruning: This type of neuroplasticity involves the elimination of unnecessary or weak connections between neurons. It is often associated with brain development and maturation.
Dendritic branching: This type of neuroplasticity involves the growth and branching of dendrites, the extensions of neurons that receive information from other neurons. It is often associated with learning and memory.
Axonal sprouting: This type of neuroplasticity involves the growth of new branches on axons, the extensions of neurons that send information to other neurons. It is often associated with recovery from brain damage.
Cortical remapping: This type of neuroplasticity involves the reorganization of the brain's sensory and motor maps in response to changes in the environment or a loss of function. It is often associated with recovery from brain damage.
Compensatory plasticity: This type of neuroplasticity involves the recruitment of unused or underused brain regions to perform functions that have been lost or impaired. It is often associated with recovery from brain damage.
Associative learning: This type of neuroplasticity involves the linking of two different stimuli or behaviors in the brain, leading to the formation of associations and conditioning.
Neurogenesis: This type of neuroplasticity involves the production of new neurons in the brain, primarily in the hippocampus, a region that is involved in learning and memory.
Metaplasticity: This type of neuroplasticity involves changes in the brain's threshold for plasticity, affecting the amount and direction of subsequent plasticity.
"It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned."
"Examples of neuroplasticity include circuit and network changes that result from learning a new ability, information acquisition, environmental influences, practice, and psychological stress."
"Neuroplasticity was once thought by neuroscientists to manifest only during childhood."
"Research in the latter half of the 20th century showed that many aspects of the brain can be altered (or are 'plastic') even through adulthood."
"The developing brain exhibits a higher degree of plasticity than the adult brain."
"Activity-dependent plasticity can have significant implications for healthy development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain damage."
"Other forms of neuroplasticity include homologous area adaptation, cross modal reassignment, map expansion, and compensatory masquerade."
"These changes range from individual neuron pathways making new connections."
"These changes range from... systematic adjustments like cortical remapping or neural oscillation."
"It is when the brain is rewired to function in some way that differs from how it previously functioned."
"Environmental influences, practice, and psychological stress" can influence neuroplasticity.
The paragraph does not mention any limits to neuroplasticity.
"Psychological stress" is mentioned as one of the factors influencing neuroplasticity.
"Information acquisition" can lead to circuit and network changes through neuroplasticity.
"Learning a new ability" can induce circuit and network changes through neuroplasticity.
"Systematic adjustments like cortical remapping" are mentioned as part of neuroplasticity.
"The ability of neural networks in the brain to change through growth and reorganization" suggests practical implications for rehabilitation, learning, and recovery.
"Neuroplasticity can have significant implications for... memory."
"Environmental influences" are mentioned as one of the factors influencing neuroplasticity.