neural plasticity

Question 1

neural plasticity

Answer 1

the brains ability to change at any age - for better or for worse

Question 2

can result from

Answer 2

stress, emotions, physical activity, social interaction, diet, new experiences, trauma

Question 3

why is it important

Answer 3

• plays an important role in our brains development or decline
• shaping distinct personalities

Question 4

adaptive plasticity

Answer 4

• the reorganisation of neural connections in response to learning new information
  OR
• to compensate for lost functions

Question 5

which ages shows greater plasticity?

Answer 5

childrens
eg children can learn a language faster than adults

Question 6

developmental plasticity

Answer 6

-process of strengthening new and frequently activated neural connections through experience with the environment

• ## also eliminates weak connections that are not used

Question 7

what is the 5 stages of developing neurons (PMSSM)

Answer 7

• proliferation
  -migration
  -synaptogenesis
  -synaptic pruning
  -myelination

Question 8

Proliferation

Answer 8

• mostly formed when born
  -growth and division of neurons

Question 9

Migration

Answer 9

movement of new cells to their final location by moving along fibres and chemical trails
- ends around 5 months of age

Question 10

Synaptogenesis

Answer 10

when axons of new neurons grow out to target cells and form synapses with them

Question 11

Synaptic pruning

Answer 11

when excess neurons and synapses are eliminated with the aim to reduce the number of ineffective and unused neurons

Question 12

Myelination

Answer 12

when axons of a neuron in a child’s brain are covered in myelin which helps protect and speed up electrical signals

Question 13

rerouting

Answer 13

new neural connections are made between neuron and other active neurons

Question 14

sprouting

Answer 14

growth of new dendrites enable to neuron to form new connections with others

Question 15

amygdala

Answer 15

helps response to the environment
- hormones target the amygdala

Question 16

what happens when the amygdala is in control? (adolescence)

Answer 16

it responds directly to emotions
eg fear = aggressive behaviour towards people

Question 17

when does the prefrontal cortex have a growth spurt

Answer 17

ages 3 - 6