Dendritic Branching / Neural Pathways / Neural Networks

What is dendritic branching?

the creation of new dendritic trees and branches within a neuron to form new synapses.

What causes dendritic branching to occur?

due to neuroplasticity.

What is neuroplasticity?

the brain's ability to change itself in response to environmental demands and internal changes.

What processes are included in neuroplasticity?

includes dendritic branching, strengthening of neural connections, neurogenesis (creation of new neurons), and neural pruning.

How can scientists observe dendritic branching in the brain?

using imaging technologies like MRI, which provides structural information about the brain.

What kind of evidence suggests dendritic branching has occurred?

An increase in the volume of specific brain areas after practicing a task suggests dendritic branching.

What was the aim of Maguire’s study?

To investigate changes in brain structure after acquiring navigational knowledge.

Who were the participants in Maguire’s study?

74 aspiring London taxi drivers (LTDs) and 31 control participants.

What tests did participants undergo at the start of the study?

MRI scans and cognitive tests to establish a baseline.

What happened to the participants after 3–4 years?

Some aspiring LTDs passed the Knowledge test and some failed; all participants were scanned and tested again.

What did Maguire find in the brains of LTDs who passed the test?

The volume of their posterior hippocampus increased.

Was any hippocampal growth found in those who failed or in the control group?

No, the posterior hippocampus size remained the same in both groups.

How did LTDs who passed perform on memory tasks?

They performed significantly better on spatial and navigational memory tasks.

How does Maguire’s study support the theory of dendritic branching?

It showed that the volume of the posterior hippocampus increased only in LTDs who practiced spatial memory tasks, suggesting the formation of new synaptic connections.

What role does practice play in dendritic branching according to the study?

Practice leads to the development and strengthening of neural pathways, indicating dendritic branching.

What does the absence of change in the control group and failed LTDs suggest?

That dendritic branching only occurs when the brain is challenged by specific, repeated cognitive tasks.