Neural plasticity

Neural Plasticity

Neural plasticity (pronunciation: /ˈnʊərəl plæˈstɪsɪti/), also known as neuroplasticity or brain plasticity, refers to the ability of the neural network in the brain to change through growth and reorganization. These changes range from individual neuron pathways making new connections, to systematic adjustments like cortical remapping.

Etymology

The term "neural plasticity" is derived from the Greek word "plastikos", which means "moldable". The concept of neural plasticity is rooted in the understanding that the brain is not a static organ, but one that can change and adapt over time.

Types of Neural Plasticity

Neural plasticity can be categorized into two types: Structural plasticity and Functional plasticity.

Structural plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change its physical structure as a result of learning. This change can occur in response to environmental stimuli, neural processes, or changes in behavior.

Functional plasticity refers to the brain's ability to move functions from a damaged area of the brain to other undamaged areas. This type of plasticity allows the brain to compensate for injury and disease.

Related Terms

• Synaptic plasticity: This is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.
• Cortical remapping: This is a process that involves the brain reorganizing its neural pathways, with physical locations on the brain corresponding to certain functions changing in response to environmental demands.
• Neurogenesis: This is the process by which new neurons are formed in the brain.

See Also

• Neuroscience
• Brain
• Neuron
• Neural Network

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Neural plasticity
• Wikipedia's article - Neural plasticity

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