Unit 1 psychology: topic 5: Brain plasticity and brain injury

Question 1

Neuron

Answer 1

Neuron a nerve cell that
receives and transmits
neural information

Question 2

Synapse

Answer 2

Synapse the region
that includes the
axon terminals of the
presynaptic neuron,
the synaptic gap, and
the dendrites of the
postsynaptic neuron
places where neurons connect and communicate with each other

Question 3

Neuroplasticity

Answer 3

Neuroplasticity 
the ability of the brain
to change in response
to experience or
environmental stimulation

Question 4

Developmental pasticity

Answer 4

Developmental plasticity 
changes in the brain that
occur in response to
ageing and maturation

Question 5

Synaptogenesis 

Answer 5

Synaptogenesis 
the formation of synapses
between neurons as
axon terminals and
dendrites grow

Question 6

Synaptic pruning

Answer 6

Synaptic pruning 
the elimination of
underused synapses

Question 7

Myelination

Answer 7

the formation and
development of myelin
around the axon of
a neuron

Question 8

Adaptive plasticity

Answer 8

Adaptive plasticity 
the brain’s ability to
restore adequate neural
functioning over time after
sustaining injury

Question 9

Sprouting

Answer 9

a neuron’s
ability to develop new
branches on the dendrites
or axons

Question 10

rerouting

Answer 10

a neuron’s
ability to form a new
connection with another
undamaged neuron

Question 11

Neurodegenerative

Answer 11

Neurodegenerative
diseases a disease
characterised by the
progressive loss of
neurons in the brain

Question 12

CTE

Answer 12

Chronic traumatic
encephalopathy (CTE) 
a progressive and fatal
brain disease associated
with repeated head
injuries and concussions

Question 13

Somatorsensory cortex

Answer 13

receiving and processing sensory information.
In this way, touch, temperature, pressure, pain,

Question 14

Primary motor cortex

Answer 14

has an important role in initiating voluntary motor movements. Firstly, it receives the sequence of motions from the premotor cortex

Question 15

brain trauma

Answer 15

Brain dysfunction caused by an outside force, usually a violent blow to the head.

Question 16

Aqquired brain injury

Answer 16

Acquired brain injury is brain damage caused by events after birth,

Question 17

Parkinsons disease

Answer 17

a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination