Neuroplasticity

Question 1

What is neuroplasticity?

Answer 1

The ability of neurons to change their function, chemical, or structure

Question 2

3 mechanisms of neuroplasticity

Answer 2

1. Habituation
2. Experience-Dependent Plasticity
3. Recovery after injury

Question 3

What is habituation?

Answer 3

A decrease in response to a repeated, benign stimulus

Question 4

What is the time duration of habituation?

Answer 4

Temporary

Question 5

What type of change is habituation? (chemical, structural, functional)

Answer 5

Chemical

Question 6

What chemical changes occur in habituation?

Answer 6

Decreased release of neurotransmitters
Decreased release of Ca2+
Change in post-synaptic receptor sensitivity

Question 7

Does habituation resolve after a period of no stimulus?

Answer 7

Yes

Question 8

Habituation is due to what?

Answer 8

Decreased synaptic activity b/t sensory neuron and interneuron

Question 9

If there is prolonged repetitions of stimulus in habituation, what kind of changes will occur?

Answer 9

Structural – more permanent changes

Question 10

How does habituation allow for other types of learning to occur?

Answer 10

It tunes out “less important” info and focuses on “important info”

Question 11

Techniques/Exercises to decrease neural response to stimulus (habituation)

Answer 11

Tactile defensiveness (cotton ball, light touch)
Vestibular Exercises

Question 12

What is experience-dependent plasticity?

Answer 12

Persistent, long-lasting changes in strength of synaptic connections between neurons and within neural networks

Question 13

What type of change is experience-dependent plasticity?

Answer 13

Structural

Question 14

What is experience-dependent plasticity for?

Answer 14

Learning and memory

Question 15

Examples of experience-dependent plasticity?

Answer 15

Playing an instrument, playing a sport

Question 16

What structural changes occur in EDP?

Answer 16

Synthesis of new proteins
New synaptic connections
New dendrites, receptors, etc

Question 17

Two types of plasticity in learning and memory

Answer 17

1. Long-term potentiation (LTP)
2. Long-term depression (LTD)

Question 18

Long-term potentiation (LTP) occurs where in the neuron?

Answer 18

Pre-synaptic terminal

Question 19

Long-term potential (LTP) changes what in the neuron?

Answer 19

Changes in amount of neurotransmitter

Question 20

Long-term depression (LTD) occurs where in the neuron?

Answer 20

Post-synaptic terminal

Question 21

Long-term depression (LTD) changes what in the neuron?

Answer 21

Changes receptor density and efficiency

Question 22

What do astrocytes do in EDP?

Answer 22

Modulate neurotransmitter release and receptor expression

Question 23

What do astrocytes release for synaptic connection modulation?

Answer 23

Gliotransmitters

Question 24

What do gliotransmitters do?

Answer 24

Modulate synaptic connection

Question 25

What is declarative memory?

Answer 25

Facts, events

Question 26

Where is declarative memory stored?

Answer 26

Medial Temporal Lobe - Hippocampus

Question 27

What is procedural memory?

Answer 27

Motor skills

Question 28

Where is procedural memory stored?

Answer 28

Cerebellum, Basal Ganglia, Motor Cortex

Question 29

Why is procedural memory stored diffusely?

Answer 29

If one area is damaged, there are still other areas retaining important motor skill memory for function

Question 30

Process of axonal injury in PNS

Answer 30

Cytoplasm leaks Segments retract (Wallerian Degeneration) Glial cells clean up debris Central chromatolysis

Question 31

What is Wallerian Degeneration?

Answer 31

Distal segment of axon retracts away

Question 32

What is Central Chromatolysis?

Answer 32

Cell body degenerative changes

Question 33

What happens if post-synaptic cell loses synaptic inputs?

Answer 33

Cell death

Question 34

What process occurs for recovery in the PNS?

Answer 34

Sprouting

Question 35

What is regrowth of damaged axons?

Answer 35

Sprouting

Question 36

What cellular changes occur for functional regeneration in the PNS?

Answer 36

Increase in NGF's by Schwann Cells Glial cell remove debris Bands of Biingner guides regrowth to target

Question 37

What is the timeframe of recovery in the PNS?

Answer 37

SLOW

Question 38

What problem can occur from sprouting?

Answer 38

Axons can sprout in the wrong target causing wrong innervation

Question 39

What problem can occur from regeneration of axons in the PNS?

Answer 39

Synkinesis Altered Sensation

Question 40

What is synkinesis?

Answer 40

Growth in wrong area Can cause co-contraction of muscles

Question 41

Is there axon regeneration in CNS injuries?

Answer 41

No (not yet)

Question 42

What cellular events occur in trauma to CNS?

Answer 42

Damage to white fiber tracts Increase membrane permeability & Na+/Ca2+ Disrupts axon transportation + build up Axons swell + break Proximal axons retracts (axonal retraction ball) Distal axons = Wallerian degeneration, Central chromatolysis