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Neurobiology and Behaviour: Neuroscience

Neuroplasticity

  • 3 things to know
  • Component 3

Overview

Phantom limb and two limits to what neuroplasticity can achieve.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Your recallNot started
Key term

Name three changes in the brain by which neuroplasticity is brought about.

Evaluation

How does repeated use strengthen a neural pathway?

Key term

Why does practice make a skill easier to perform?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    Define neuroplasticity.

    Model answer

    Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to change its structure and its neural pathways in response to experience, to a changed environment, or to injury and disease.

  2. 2

    Name three changes in the brain by which neuroplasticity is brought about.

    Model answer

    New synapses are formed, existing synapses are strengthened or weakened, and dendrites branch more extensively so that the map of the cortex is redrawn.

  3. 3

    How does repeated use strengthen a neural pathway?

    Model answer

    Repeated stimulation makes transmission across the synapses of that pathway easier, because more transmitter is released and more receptors are present, so the same input later produces a larger response.

  4. 4

    Why does practice make a skill easier to perform?

    Model answer

    The pathways used are strengthened and the area of cortex devoted to the movement enlarges, so the movement becomes faster, more accurate and needs less conscious attention.

  5. 5

    What have studies of skilled string players shown about the cortex?

    Model answer

    The area of sensory cortex representing the fingers of the left hand is enlarged, and it is largest in those who began playing youngest and practise most.

  6. 6

    What have studies of experienced city taxi drivers shown?

    Model answer

    The rear part of the hippocampus is larger than average, and it is larger the longer the driver has spent learning and using the layout of the streets.

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