Neuroplasticity

What is neuroplasticity?

The brain’s ability to change neural pathways and synapses due to learning or experience

Explain neuroplasticity

• Synapses follow the use it or lose it rule through a process called synaptic plasticity

• Synaptic plasticity plays a significant role in learning and memory retention

  • Frequently used synapses are strengthened

  • Rarely used synapses are weakened and eliminated

What are the 2 types of neuroplastic changes? (2)

• Temporary - short-term memory

• Long-lasting - long-term memory

Describe how temporary changes in the brain occur (2)

• Temporarily enhance connections by releasing more neurotransmitters

• Activating new or modifying old receptors

Describe how long-term changes in the brain occur

• Requires strong or sustained activities that produce structural changes

• Leads to the growth of new dendritic spines, synaptic connections, or the formation of new neurons

  • Results in engagement in the region associated with the increased activity

  • Shrinkage of areas that receive less or no activity

What is long-term potentiation (LTP)? (2)

• The process by which synapses become stronger through repeated use (studying, revising) and high-frequency situations (impactful experience)

• Cellular base of memory formation

What is dendritic branching or neural arborization? (3)

• LTP leads to neural arborization

• The process of protein synthesis and gene expression, which are used to build new dendrites

What is neural pruning? (3)

• The process by which the brain removes under-stimulated neurons

• This is to make the functioning of neural networks more efficient

• This process is not fully understood yet