Psychology Neural Plasticity Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is Neural Plasticity?

The process of long-term depression

The ability to change neural structures or functions by experience (correct)

A type of synaptic transmission

The inability of the brain to adapt

What does Synaptic Plasticity refer to?

The ability of the synapse to change over time.

Long-term potentiation (LTP) results in a long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections.

True

Long-term depression (LTD) increases the strength of synaptic transmission.

False Signup and view all the answers

What happens when long-term depression occurs?

Postsynaptic neuron becomes less responsive, weakening the synaptic connection. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when long-term potentiation occurs?

Synaptic connections are strengthened, making postsynaptic neurons more easily activated. Signup and view all the answers

What is Classical Conditioning?

A type of learning through repeated associations of stimuli. Signup and view all the answers

What is a Neutral Stimulus?

A stimulus that does not naturally elicit a specific response. Signup and view all the answers

What is an Unconditioned Stimulus?

A specific stimulus that innately elicits a reflex response. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Neural Plasticity

Refers to the brain's ability to adapt its neural structure and function based on experiences throughout life.

Synaptic Plasticity

Describes the synapse's capacity to change over time.
Can involve growth or formation of new synaptic connections, enhancing synapse strength.
Disuse may lead to weakening or elimination of synaptic connections.

Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

Involves long-lasting strengthening of synaptic connections.
Leads to enhanced and more effective synaptic transmission.

Long-Term Depression (LTD)

Represents a long-lasting decrease in synaptic transmission strength, contrary to LTP.

Effects of Long-Term Depression (LTD)

Occurs due to lack of stimulation in pre- and postsynaptic neurons or prolonged low-level stimulation.
Results in reduced postsynaptic neuron responsiveness to neurotransmitters, weakening synaptic connections.

Effects of Long-Term Potentiation (LTP)

Strengthens synaptic connections, making postsynaptic neurons easier to activate.
Increases postsynaptic neuron responsiveness to presynaptic stimulation by creating more receptor sites for neurotransmitters.

Classical Conditioning

A learning process through repeated associations between two or more different stimuli.

Neutral Stimulus

A stimulus that does not naturally provoke any specific response.

Unconditioned Stimulus

A specific stimulus that innately triggers a reflex response.

Description

Test your knowledge on neural plasticity concepts with these flashcards. This quiz covers essential terms like neural plasticity and synaptic plasticity. Enhance your understanding of how experiences shape the brain's neural structures.