Plasticity + Functional Recovery

Question 1

What is meant by Plasticity?

Answer 1

The brain has the ability to change throughout life
EG: Infancy= rapid growth in synaptic connections

Question 2

What is synaptic pruning?

Answer 2

It enables life long plasticity, makes the brain a more efficient communication system over time
New connections are formed in response to new demands of the brain
Unused synaptic connections are lost

Question 3

What is Functional recovery?

Answer 3

The functions that were performed by areas of the brain that are lost or damaged are performed by undamaged areas of the brain.

Question 4

What are some additional structural changes in the brain?

Answer 4

• Axonal sprouting = existing neurons growing new axons to connect to adjacent neurons
• Recruitment of homologous areas = similar areas on the opposite part of the brain could be used to carry out functions
• Denervation of Super sensitivity= axons which do a similar job aroused to a higher level to compensate those lost