Neuron - Draganski

neuron

• Neuron is a type of cell that receives, processes, and transmits information through electrical and chemical signals.

• Neurons communicate by sending neurotransmitters across the synapse, which bind to receptors on the next neuron.

• The more we engage in specific tasks, the more dendrites grow, creating neural networks that strengthen connections in the brain.

• Environmental factors, such as stimulation or neglect, can influence neuron development and the formation of these connections.

aim of draganski

• to investigate whether learning a new skill would have an effect on the brain

method of draganski

• 24 volunteers between 20/24 age with 21 females and 3 males

• All pp had never juggled before the study

• Each pp had an MRI scan at start of study to serve as base rate for grey matter and brain structure

• two conditions - jugglers and non-jugglers (control)

• jugglers had to practice 3 routines and stop when they mastered them

• then jugglers had a second MRI to compare with non-jugglers

results of draganski

• the jugglers had significantly larger amounts of grey matter in the mid-temporal area of both hemispheres

conclusion of draganski

• In conclusion, learning a new skill affected the amount of grey matter in the mid-temporal lobe as the pp who learnt juggling had significantly more grey matter in their mid-temporal lobe compared to the pp who did not learn juggling

link back to neuron for draganski

• his example shows how neurons change as a result of the environment and how this relates to behaviour

• the neurons changed in the condition who learnt how to juggle which increased the neural networks for that skill and coordination