Neuroplasticity Overview
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Questions and Answers

How does the concept of long-term potentiation relate to learning and memory in the brain?

Long-term potentiation (LTP) enhances synaptic strength, which facilitates the transmission of signals between neurons, thus supporting learning and memory formation.

What role do the PFC and the striatum play in reward-based learning?

The PFC is involved in executive functioning and decision making, while the striatum is associated with reward and motivation, both crucial for reinforcing behavior in reward-based learning.

Explain how addiction alters brain functions according to the information provided.

Addiction turns off the PFC, leaving the individual reliant on the older brain's reward system, distorting judgment and making substances seem necessary for survival.

What are the implications of increased dopamine (DA) levels in the context of addiction?

<p>Increased dopamine levels reinforce behaviors, making them more likely to be repeated, which is a key factor in addictive behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how the medial forebrain bundle (MFB) contributes to the brain's reward circuit.

<p>The MFB includes dopaminergic axons projecting from the VTA to various brain regions, creating a pathway that reinforces rewarding behaviors.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do primary rewards differ from secondary rewards in brain processing?

<p>Primary rewards, like erotic images, activate more primitive brain areas, while secondary rewards, like money, engage more advanced regions, such as the anterior orbitofrontal cortex.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What happens during neuron recovery processes post-activation, and why is it important?

<p>Neuron recovery processes involve repolarizing the neuron after an action potential, ensuring that it can return to resting state and become ready to fire again, which is crucial for maintaining effective communication within the nervous system.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way does brain plasticity play a role in learning new behaviors?

<p>Brain plasticity allows for the reorganization of neural connections in response to experience, enabling the learning and adaptation of new behaviors over time.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do Ca$^{2+}$ ions influence neuron cell sensitivity during long-term potentiation?

<p>Ca$^{2+}$ ions activate second messengers like cAMP, increasing the cell's sensitivity to depolarization by making AMPA receptors more permeable to Na$^+$ ions.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some structural changes that occur at the synapse as a result of neuroplasticity?

<p>Neuroplasticity can lead to structural changes such as the formation of dendritic spines and new synapses.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe a method that can promote self-directed neuroplasticity.

<p>One method to promote self-directed neuroplasticity is 'neurobics,' which involves engaging senses in new contexts and breaking regular routines.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does mindfulness training contribute to neuroplasticity?

<p>Mindfulness training helps manage stress and improves overall well-being, facilitating brain plasticity by encouraging adaptive neural changes.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role do AMPA receptors play in the process of long-term potentiation?

<p>AMPA receptors become more permeable to Na$^+$ ions during long-term potentiation, which enhances neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Discuss how individualized medicine can optimize outcomes in recovery from acquired brain injury.

<p>Individualized medicine considers unique patient needs and characteristics, tailoring rehabilitation strategies to enhance recovery from acquired brain injuries.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What supplements have shown potential in improving cognitive function and memory?

<p>Supplements like Huperzine, Ginkgo biloba, and phosphatidyl serine have been shown to improve cognitive function and protect brain health.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How can structural changes in neurons indicate behavioral changes in humans?

<p>Neuronal changes inferred through behavior suggest underlying neuroplastic changes, although post-mortem studies provide only correlative evidence.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does long term potentiation (LTP) play in brain plasticity?

<p>Long term potentiation enhances the strength of synapses based on recent patterns of activity, which is critical for learning and memory. It facilitates the modification and creation of neuronal connections.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe how new neuron generation can occur in the brain.

<p>New neuron generation can occur in the hippocampus through neurogenesis, which is stimulated by learning activities. This demonstrates the brain's ability to adapt and incorporate new cells for memory and learning.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what way do compensation mechanisms contribute to recovery from brain injury?

<p>Compensation mechanisms involve recruiting new brain regions or increasing activity in existing areas to take over lost functions after an injury. This helps the brain adapt and reorganize to mitigate deficits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does diffuse axonal injury affect brain function?

<p>Diffuse axonal injury disrupts crucial pathway integrity within the brain due to shear forces, which impairs communication between neurons. This can lead to significant functional deficits.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of synaptic organization in brain plasticity?

<p>Synaptic organization is significant in brain plasticity as it determines the efficiency and strength of neuronal communication. Changes in synaptic structure reflect the brain's adaptability to experiences.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the impact of an epidural hematoma on brain health.

<p>An epidural hematoma compresses brain tissues and disrupts blood flow, which can result in serious neuron damage. This condition can lead to rapid deterioration of brain function if not addressed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What occurs during the reorganization process of the brain after an injury?

<p>During reorganization, the brain forms new connections, adjusts existing pathways, and sometimes reassigns functions to different areas to compensate for lost abilities. This demonstrates neuroplasticity in action.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify a behavioral example that illustrates brain plasticity in action.

<p>Gabrielle Giffords' recovery and ability to communicate after her brain injury exemplifies brain plasticity, as she utilized different brain regions to regain lost functions. Her case highlights the brain's capacity to reorganize.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neuroplasticity

  • Experience can alter the brain by modifying existing circuitry or creating novel circuitry.
  • This happens at the level of the morphology of the synapse.
  • In animals, a change in the number of dendrites indicates a change in synaptic organization.
  • New neurons can occur.
  • Dyes can be used to inject into areas of animal's brains to show neuron growth.
  • New neurons can be generated in the hippocampus when an animal learns a new task (e.g., Morris water maze).
  • Glial, vascular, and metabolic processes can change in response to experience.
  • Long-term potentiation (LTP) is the strengthening of a connection between two already connected neurons.
  • This lasts from minutes to months.
  • Glutamate is the key neurotransmitter in LTP.
  • AMPA and NMDA receptors are involved.
  • Calcium plays a critical role in LTP.
  • Ca2+ ions activate many enzymes, e.g., calmodulin.
  • Ca2+/calmodulin activates other enzymes.
  • This leads to increased responsiveness of AMPA receptors to glutamate.
  • New AMPA receptors may be formed.
  • Retrograde messengers trigger more glutamate release.
  • LTP has two phases (establishment and maintenance).
  • The establishment phase involves the activity of certain enzymes that persist after Ca2+ is eliminated.
  • The maintenance phase requires the synthesis of new proteins.
  • Activated mental states foster installed neural traits.

Brain Injury Mechanisms

  • Coup/Contre-coup Injury:
    • A French phrase that describes bruises occurring at two sites in the brain.
    • The head impact causes the brain to bump the opposite side of the skull.
    • Damage occurs at the area of impact and on the opposite side of the brain.
  • Diffuse Axonal Injury:
    • Brain injury does not require a direct head impact.
    • During rapid head acceleration, some parts of the brain separately move from other parts.
    • This creates shear forces that can destroy the brain's axons.
    • The nerve bundles can stretch.
    • This injury is very serious as it affects the brain's major pathways.
  • Epidural Hematoma:
    • A blood clot between the skull and the top lining of the brain (dura).
    • Fast pressure changes inside the brain can result from this blood clot.
    • Compressed brain tissue can compromise blood flow and neuron damage.
  • Subdural Hematoma:
    • A blood clot between the dura and the brain tissue.
    • Can cause increased pressure and needs surgical removal.
    • Compressed brain tissue can compromise blood flow and tissue damage.
  • Recovery from brain injury:
    • Compensation: recruiting new brain regions or increasing activity.
    • Forming new connections.
    • Reorganization.
    • Example: Gabrielle Giffords, and Trevor Greene.

Self-Directed Neuroplasticity

  • Neurobics: a brain exercise involving one or more senses in a new context.
  • Involve your full attention, at least briefly.
  • Break your routine.
  • Multimillion-dollar industry.
  • Brain Protex with Huperzine: herbs, nutrients, and antioxidants.
  • Improve brain function and memory.
  • Protect brain capacity.
  • Improve and protect nerves.
  • Rapidly pass through the blood-brain barrier
  • Chinese researchers show improvements in learning and memory related to Huperzine.
  • Supplements can improve cognitive measures in patients with Alzheimer's Disease.
  • Mindfulness training assists with complications of stress, disease, drug use, etc

Consciousness

  • Conducting an investigation on consciousness makes the definition of the problem and approach to the solution especially complicated.
  • Self-awareness is a key component of consciousness and includes thoughts, emotions, perceptions, sensations, and dreams.
  • Alert cognitive state, concept of attention and the subjective inner-life are important.
  • Consciousness levels depend on a person's responsiveness to stimuli.
  • Levels range from conscious and alert, to more impaired states like confused, delirious, stuporous, persistent vegetative, and comatose.
  • Glasgow Coma Scale measures eye-opening, verbal, and motor response.
  • Localization of consciousness involves the intralaminar nuclei of the thalamus.
  • The reticular activating system is involved (sleep, arousal, attention, memory).
  • Role of the claustrum in consciousness is also explored

Sleep

  • Zeitgebers are cues from the environment that entrain biological rhythms.
  • Example: light. Entrainment determines/modifies a biorhythm's period (e.g. daylight saving time).
  • Chronobiology is the study of biological rhythms.
  • Rhythms are endogenous (internal).
  • Suprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN) is the main biological clock.
  • SCN is located above the optic chiasm, and its metabolic activity is higher during day.
  • The retinohypothalamic pathway connects the light to SCN.
  • Sleep stages (NREM and REM).
  • REM sleep (4 stages, 90-100 minute intervals).

Psychopathy

  • Myths about Psychopathy include that it's not psychosis, not out of touch with reality, not only criminals, not only males, and not only adults.
  • Brief History includes Mania without delirium, Moral Insanity.
  • Key figures include, Cleckley's primary psychopath, and the Mask of sanity.
  • 1810-1950s includes Psychiatry couldn't cure so dismissed it as something external, sociopath, antisocial personality disorder (APD), Hare's without conscience, and the Psychopath Whisperer.
  • Characteristics include interpersonal qualities (egocentric, manipulative, dominant, cold-hearted), affective qualities (labile emotions, lack of empathy or guilt), and behavioural qualities (impulsive, sensation-seeking).
  • Importance of psychopathic behaviors include that they make up 25% of the male prison population but perform >50% of violent crime.
  • Psychopaths recidivate 3-4x more than non-psychopaths following release from prison.
  • Successful psychopaths successfully use the system.
  • Knowledge is power
  • Hare Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) is a tool used to assess and diagnose psychopathy.
  • Neurological aspects refer to Neurobiology of Psychopathy; background, EEG studies, and MRI studies.
  • Lexical Decision Task is a technique that measures how quickly words are recognized.

Addiction Hijacks the Brain

  • The brain turns off the PFC (Pre Frontal Cortex) and lets the reward center control behavior.
  • Judgment becomes distorted and the substance is needed for survival.
  • Olds and Milner, in 1954, discovered intracranial self-stimulation (ISS) of the brain.
  • Specific brain regions will keep an animal pressing a button or performing a behaviour to get stimulation.
  • Medial Forebrain Bundle (MFB) origins in the reticular formation, crosses to the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and the lateral hypothalamus.
  • MFB continues into the nucleus accumbens, amygdala, septum, prefrontal cortex,
  • Reward circuits are supported by the Mesolimbic pathway (VTA to nucleus accumbens/amygdala) and Mesocortical pathway (VTA to prefrontal cortex).

Amygdala and Reward

  • Amygdala activation is associated with positive or negative reinforcers.
  • Stronger the reinforcer, the more amygdala activity.
  • Ventral Striatum (Nucleus Accumbens) is involved in anticipating rewards.
  • Stimulation of this area is highly rewarding.

Reward Based Learning

  • Triggered by internal (boredom) or external factors leading to a behavior requiring reward and repeat.
  • The reward center can hijack the brain.

Neurotransmitters in Relation to Sleep and Consciousness

  • Neurotransmitters like dopamine, glutamate, GABA, acetylcholine, histamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and others play a role in wakefulness, sleep, and consciousness. The text details the specific interactions for many of these systems.

Other Considerations

  • There are tables (tables on drugs, substance use) and several detailed graphs in the text that are images. These are not included in the bullet points, due to the markdown formatting issue.

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Description

Explore the fascinating processes of neuroplasticity, where experience leads to alterations in brain circuitry. This quiz covers topics such as synaptic organization, long-term potentiation, and the role of various neurotransmitters and receptors. Test your knowledge on how learning influences neuron growth and brain structure.

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