Biopsychology

Question 1

Plasticity

Answer 1

Ability of brain to change/adapt functionality/physicality as result of new experience

Question 2

Plasticity- Early childhood

Answer 2

2-3: 15,000 synaptic connections

Question 3

Synaptic Pruning

Answer 3

Neural pathways used are strengthened
Pathways not used lost

Question 4

Magiure et al

Answer 4

London Taxi Drivers
MRI: more grey matter in posterior hippocampus
> Part of brain: spatial + navigation skills

Question 5

Draganski et al

Answer 5

Scanned brains medical students 3 months before exam
Changes: posterior hippocampus, partial cortex

Question 6

Plasticity - Strengths

Answer 6

• Research support (Magiure)
• Seasonal brain changes
• Neurorehabilitation

Question 7

Plasticity - Limitations

Answer 7

• Individual differences (age)
• Plasticity can be negative

Question 8

Functional recovery after trauma

Answer 8

Healthy brain takes over functions of area damage
> Quickly after trauma, then slows

Question 9

How does the brain recover

Answer 9

Brain ‘rewires’ itself by forming new synaptic connections
Secondary neural pathway - activated

Question 10

Axon Sprouting

Answer 10

Growth of new nerve endings
Connect with undamaged cells,
form new pathways

Question 11

Denervation Super sensitivity

Answer 11

Axons become aroused to higher level
Compensate for lost ones

Question 12

Recruitment of homologous areas

Answer 12

Opposite side of brain takes over takes
eg: language production

Question 13

Functional recovery - Strengths

Answer 13

• Real world application (neuro rehabilitation )
• Supporting Research evidence (Danelli et al)

Question 14

Functional recovery - Danelli et al

Answer 14

Boy had large section left hemisphere removed
Recovered language abilities

Question 15

Functional Recovery - Limitations

Answer 15

• Age
• Lead to further problems
• Individual differences