Plasticity & Functional Recovery

Question 1

Plasticity

Answer 1

The ability to change and adapt in response to experience

Question 2

Neuroplasticity

Answer 2

• Humans born with small, incomplete brains and connections are made after new experiences - very quick in children
• Pathways that are used more will grow thicker and develop more branches - those which are not used often enough are destroyed
• Plasticity can also help recover from injury

Question 3

Structural Plasticity

Answer 3

Growth; experience causes a change to brain structure

Question 4

Functional Plasticity

Answer 4

Recovery; localised functions move from a damaged region to an undamaged region after injury

Question 4

Steps of Growth and Change (Neuroplasticity)

Answer 4

1) Synaptic Pruning - Unused axons weaken and are eventually lost
2) Neural Unmasking - Nerve Growth Factor horomone encourages growth
3) Axonal Sprouting - Guidance proteins (Neurotrophins) sustain and encourage growth
4) Synaptic Connection - New connection makes parent network stronger

Question 5

Steps of Functional Recovery (Neuroplasticity)

Answer 5

1) Axon Damage (axotomy) - Axon is severed by injury
2) Axonal Sprouting - New axon/dendrite growth towards target
3) Blood Vessels Re-form - Glial cells wrap around capillaries to support the blood/brain barrier
4) Recruitment of Homologous (similar) areas - Usually on opposite hemisphere, to take over the role of damaged areas temporarily