Neuroplasticity
Summary
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change and reorganize itself in response to experience, learning, environmental factors, and illness/injury. This can occur at many different levels as it applies structural changes to the brain and can even alter entire brain systems. (NIH, 2022) One way that neuroplasticity works is through the process of synaptogenesis.
Synaptogenesis
Synapses are the places where neurons connect and communicate with each other. Each neuron has anywhere from a few hundreds of thousands of synaptic connections. Synaptogenesis is the formation of new synapses or connections between neurons. When we learn new things or have new experiences, our brains can create new synapses or strengthen existing ones. This process is thought to be mediated by the release of various neurotransmitters which can stimulate the formation of new synapses.
Another way that neuroplasticity works is through the process of neural pruning, which is the elimination of unnecessary or underused synapses. This process is important for refining and optimizing the connections between neurons, and for helping the brain to become more efficient. If you were to prune a tree, you would prune out the less important branches first. After these branches are gone, the more important branches are allowed to grow and flourish to a much healthier state.
Sensitive Period
Sensitive periods are crucial developmental windows when the brain is highly receptive to specific stimuli or experiences. During these periods, neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself, is at its peak, facilitating efficient learning and skill acquisition. Once sensitive periods close, neuroplasticity decreases, making it more challenging to acquire certain skills. Understanding the relationship between sensitive periods and neuroplasticity highlights the importance of early intervention and enriched environments in promoting optimal brain development.
Critical Period
A critical period refers to a specific timeframe during development when the brain is particularly sensitive to certain stimuli or experiences. During these periods, neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to reorganize itself—is at its peak, facilitating rapid learning and skill acquisition. Once the critical period passes, neural plasticity diminishes, making it more challenging to acquire certain abilities. Understanding the concept of critical periods underscores the importance of early intervention and enriched environments in promoting optimal brain development.
Neuroplasticity In Action: Phantom Limb
The strange phenomenon of "phantom limb" refers to the sensation that an individual feels as though a limb that has been amputated or lost is still present and functioning. Despite the physical absence of the limb, the person may experience various sensations including pain, tingling, itching, or even the perception of movement in the absent limb. Phantom limb provides a compelling example of neuroplasticity in action. When a limb is lost or amputated, the brain undergoes significant reorganization to adjust to the loss of sensory and motor inputs from the missing limb. Phantom limb sensations can vary widely among individuals. Some people may experience mild sensations, while others may endure severe pain or discomfort. The sensations may also change over time and can be triggered or worsened by various factors, including stress, changes in weather, or touching other parts of the body.
Although phantom limb sensations cannot be completely eliminated in all cases, various treatments and therapies can help manage them. These may include medication, physical therapy, mirror therapy (which uses mirrors to create the illusion of the missing limb), sensory stimulation techniques, and in some cases, surgical interventions, or nerve blocks.
Overall, Neurosplacity is the way our brain controls and creates synapses. It decides from personal experience what synapses and functions are important to you, and which ones are not. It is the brain's way of changing and adapting, to create the most effective nervous system.
Quiz Questions
What functions of the brain are encompassed by the term neuroplasticity? Select all that apply
- The process of eliminating unnecessary or underused synapses
- The ability of the brain to change and reorganize itself in response to experience
- The process of learning and expanding your five senses.
- The formation of new synapses
What is synaptogenesis and how does it contribute to neuroplasticity?
- The formation of new synapses or connections between neurons, which contributes to the strengthening of existing synapses
- The elimination of unnecessary or underused synapses, which helps to refine and optimize the connections between neurons
- The strengthening of your nervous system
- All of the above
What is neural pruning and how does it contribute to neuroplasticity?
- The production of new neurotransmitters by neurons, which helps to stimulate the formation of new synapses
- The destruction of memories that are no longer useful to the brain
- The growth of new branches or extensions on neurons, allows the brain to adapt to new experiences
- The elimination of unnecessary or underused synapses, which helps to refine and optimize the connections between neurons
Sources
National Library of Medicine; Neuroplasticity
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