Neuroplasticity and Brain Development Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering neuroplasticity, Hebbian theory, brain maturation processes, synaptic mechanisms, and neural recovery.

Neuroplasticity

The brain's ability to reorganize by forming, eliminating, or modifying neural connections in response to experiences, learning, and injury.

Donald Hebb

The psychologist referred to as the Father of Neuropsychology and Neuronal Networks, who published 'The Organization of Behavior: A Neuropsychological Theory' in 1949.

Hebbian Learning

A foundational learning principle summarized by Hebb's phrasing: 'Neurons that fire together wire together; neurons that fire apart wire apart.'

Presynaptic Neuron

The sending cell in neural communication that transmits signals across the synapse.

Postsynaptic Neuron

The receiving cell in neural communication that takes in signals via neuroreceptors across the synapse.

Neurogenesis

The generation of new neurons, which represents neuroplasticity occurring at the cellular level.

Synaptogenesis

The generation of new synapses, representing neuroplasticity at the network and system levels.

Synapse Elimination

The elimination of unneeded synapses to reorganize network connectivity during brain development and learning.

Myelination

The process of wrapping axons with myelin sheath in spaced segments to enhance and accelerate electrical signal transmission along neural fibers.

Three Typical Steps of Brain Maturation

The developmental progression consisting of Growth, Peak, and Pruning, which shifts the brain's functional strategy from quantity of connections to quality.

Hierarchical Development

The structural maturation process of the brain that operates from bottom up and from back to front.

Critical Period

A developmental window triggered by the onset of sensory experience during which rapid organization of the sensory cortex occurs in response to passive environmental stimulation.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

A persistent strengthening of synaptic efficacy following repeated stimulation, characterized by increased neurotransmitter release and receptor density.

Angiogenesis

The biological process of developing new blood vessels, occurring as part of cell genesis in response to brain injury.

Edema

Swelling caused by trapped fluid in tissue, occurring during the cell dysfunction phase following a brain insult.