Brain plasticity

Brain Plasticity

The ability of the brain's synapses to be modified in response to changes in the environment

Developmental Plasticity

Consolidation and development of neural pathways in babies, children and adolescents.

Adaptive Plasticity

The ability of the brain to change, adapt and grow through life.

Proliferation

Cells destined to become neurons divide and multiply.

Migration

Newly formed neurons move outward to their destined location.

Synaptogenesis

The formation of synapses between neurons in the nervous system.

Synaptic Pruning

Elimination of excess neurons and synapses; those that haven't established a connection with neighbouring cells will die

Myelination

Axons become insulated with myelin - the final stage before the brain becomes fully mature

Prefrontal cortex

Responsible for problem solving, complex planning, impulse control, risk management and critical thinking.

Amygdala

Responsible for aggression and fear and is involved in emotional memory. It forms part of the limbic system.

What are the two types of plasticity

Developmental and adaptive

How does adaptive plasticity function through life

Changes through learning - doesn't diminish with age! • Developmental plasticity diminishes with age, enables older brains to be modified through experience or learning, the more cognitive activities a person undertakes, the more active the brain remains - the more plastic it stays throughout life, allows the brain to recover from serious injury: stem cells enable the brain to adapt and cope with new experience.

What are the development of the nervous system

Proliferation, Migration, Synaptogenesis, Synaptic pruning and Myelination

How can cognitive activity impact brain plasticity?

The more cognitive activities a person undertakes, the more active the brain remains - the more plastic it stays throughout life!

What societal rules exist due to delayed pre-frontal cortex development?

Legal drinking and voting age: 18 years old; legal driving age: 17 years old.

When does the pre-frontal cortex fully mature?

Maturation of the pre-frontal cortex doesn't fully complete until 25 years old.