Psychology Flashcards on Plasticity

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Questions and Answers

What is the definition of plasticity?

The ability of the brain's neural structure or functions to be changed by experience throughout the lifespan.

What does plasticity provide?

The biological basis of learning.

When does plasticity persist?

From embryonic development through to old age.

Developing individual brains are less plastic than adult brains.

False Signup and view all the answers

What displays a high level of plasticity?

Sensory and motor cortices. Signup and view all the answers

What is developmental plasticity?

Occurs as brain development proceeds according to its maturational blueprint. Signup and view all the answers

When is adaptive plasticity most apparent?

In recovery from trauma due to brain injury. Signup and view all the answers

What influences both adaptive plasticity and developmental plasticity?

Experience Signup and view all the answers

What does 'synaptogenesis' refer to?

The process of forming new synapses. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'synaptic pruning'?

The process of eliminating synaptic connections. Signup and view all the answers

Connections that are frequently used are pruned.

False Signup and view all the answers

What does adaptive plasticity enable the brain to do?

Adjust to experience, compensate for lost function, and maximize remaining functions. Signup and view all the answers

When is adaptive plasticity typically quicker and more substantial?

In the earlier years, particularly in infancy and early childhood. Signup and view all the answers

What is rerouting in adaptive plasticity?

An undamaged neuron that has lost a connection seeks a new active neuron to connect with. Signup and view all the answers

What does sprouting refer to?

The growth of new bushier nerve fibers with more branches. Signup and view all the answers

How can adaptive plasticity occur in everyday experience?

Functions can be reassigned to other undamaged areas of the brain in response to changing input. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between London taxi drivers and brain structure?

They have a larger hippocampus consistent with greater spatial memory. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Plasticity Overview

Definition: Plasticity is the brain's capability to change its neural structure and function due to experiences throughout life.
It serves as the biological foundation for learning and adapts from embryonic stages to old age.

Developmental Aspects of Plasticity

Developing brains exhibit greater plasticity compared to adult brains, allowing for more significant changes.
Sensory and motor cortices show heightened plasticity; complex experiences lead to distinctive structural neural changes.

Types of Plasticity

Developmental Plasticity: Occurs during brain maturation and follows a genetic blueprint, influenced by both genetics and experiences.
- Synaptogenesis: Formation of new synapses, especially abundant after birth to manage sensory input.
- Synaptic Pruning: The elimination of unused synaptic connections, enhancing brain efficiency. Experience determines which connections are maintained or pruned.
Adaptive Plasticity: Primarily associated with recovery from brain injuries, it enables the brain to adjust and compensate for lost functions.
- Tends to be more pronounced during early years of life, particularly in infancy and childhood.
- Rerouting: Undamaged neurons can form new connections with active neurons if they lose their original connections.
- Sprouting: Development of new nerve fibers with increased branches to establish new connections.

Experience and Plasticity

Both types of plasticity (developmental and adaptive) are significantly influenced by experience.
Adaptive plasticity is not only a response to damage but also a result of daily experiences, as seen in London taxi drivers who possess larger hippocampuses, indicative of enhanced spatial memory.

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Description

Explore key concepts of brain plasticity with these informative flashcards. Each card provides definitions that highlight the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout a person's life. Perfect for psychology students looking to enhance their understanding of learning and development.