Neural Plasticity

Question 1

Define Neuroplasticity

Answer 1

Ability to adapt physical connections between neurons in the brain in order to change the function of specific locations.

Question 2

Define Functional Recovery

Answer 2

Ability to use neuro plasticity to recover functions lost as a result of trauma. (Damage to synapse connections)

Question 3

Explain the Maguire at al (2000) plasticity in Taxi drivers study

Answer 3

16 right-handed male London taxi drivers participated; all had been driving for more than 1.5 years. Scans of 50 healthy right-handed males who did not drive taxis were included for comparison. Increased Grey matter was found in the brains of taxi drivers. Correlation was found between amount of time spent as taxi driver and volume in right hippocampus.

Question 4

What are the 3 stages of Functional recovery

Answer 4

1.Axonal sprouting
2.Reformation of blood vessels
3.Recruitment of Homologous Areas

Question 5

What is Axonal sprouting (Stage 1 of Functional Recovery)

Answer 5

The growth of new axons to complete Synaptic transmission in new pathways

Question 6

What is Reformation of Blood vessels ? (Stage 2 of Functional Recovery)

Answer 6

New blood supplies are created to keep cells alive

Question 7

What is Recruitment of Homologous Areas (stage 3 of Funtional Recovery)

Answer 7

areas of opposite side of brain are recruited to do a parallel job to the damaged area