Plasticity

• How do you define the plasticity of the brain?

  The brain's ability to change and adapt.
• What is the term used for the brain's rapid growth of synaptic connections?

  Synaptic blooming
• When is synaptic blooming at its peak?

  Age 2-3 years
• What is the term used for the deletion of synaptic connections?

  Synaptic pruning
• Who studied London taxi drivers?

  Maquire
• What did Maquire find about London taxi drivers who had to take a difficult knowledge test?

  They found more grey matter in the area of the brain associated with spatial skills and navigation
• What did Maquire use to compare the London taxi drivers' brains?

  A control group
• What other evidence is there for brain plasticity?

  Lashley's study of rats
• What case study shows that the synaptic pruning is at its peak when you are younger?

  Jodie Miller and the removal of her right hemisphere
• What does the brain do during recovery?

  1. Axonal sprouting: growth of new nerve endings
  2. Reformation of blood vessels
  3. Recruitment of similar areas on the opposite side of the brain
• What are the strengths of brain plasticity?

  • Lots of research support - case studies, lab studies
  • Real-life application - epilepsy
  • Interactionist - both nature and nurture
• What are the limitations of brain plasticity?

  • It is not always positive - phantom limb syndrome
  • Case study can't be generalised