Neuronal plasticity

Neuronal Plasticity

Neuronal plasticity (pronunciation: /nʊˈrɒnəl plæˈstɪsɪti/), also known as neuroplasticity or brain plasticity, refers to the ability of the neurons in the brain to change their connections and behavior in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction.

Etymology

The term "neuronal plasticity" is derived from the Greek words "neuron" meaning nerve and "plastikos" meaning moldable. This term was first used in the late 19th century to describe the adaptability of the brain's neural network.

Definition

Neuronal plasticity is the capacity of the nervous system to modify its organization, fundamentally at the level of the synapse, as a result of previous activation. It is the physical changes that occur in the brain due to learning and experience.

Types of Neuronal Plasticity

There are several types of neuronal plasticity including structural plasticity, functional plasticity, and synaptic plasticity.

Structural plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change its physical structure as a result of learning.
Functional plasticity is the brain's ability to move functions from a damaged area of the brain to other undamaged areas.
Synaptic plasticity is the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.

Related Terms

Neuron - A neuron is a nerve cell that is the basic building block of the nervous system.
Synapse - A synapse is a structure that permits a neuron to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron.
Nervous System - The nervous system is the part of an animal's body that coordinates its actions and transmits signals to and from different parts of its body.