Cortical maps and Plasticity Flashcards
(6 cards)
What is a map?
A representation, has a similar structure to the territory it represents.
Explain how rodents use their whiskers to explore.
Their brain is occupied by representations of the whiskers in the barrel cortex (rodent somatosensory cortex).
Info about world is transmitted through stimulation from the whiskers.
At each level, spatial relationship between two whiskers is conserved.
What is plasticity?
the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experience
What is the critical period?
Where exposure to the right stimuli at a crucial moment can largely determine adult behaviour
Eg Lorenz and his geese
The capacity for large scale changes in brain organisation and behaviour peaks post-natal.
What is the somatosensory system?
Primary sense subserving sensation of the body.
What is cutaneous sensibility?
Comprises all info from the skin
