Neural plasticity

Neural Plasticity

Neural plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity or brain plasticity, refers to the ability of the neural networks 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.

Overview

Neural plasticity is the biological process by which an individual's brain changes as a result of experience. This can occur on a variety of levels, ranging from cellular changes due to learning, to large-scale changes involved in cortical remapping in response to injury. The concept of neural plasticity has replaced the formerly-held position that the brain is a physiologically static organ, and explores how - and in which ways - the brain changes throughout life.

Mechanisms

Neural plasticity can occur through several mechanisms:

• Synaptic plasticity: This involves the strengthening or weakening of existing synapses. It is the primary mechanism of learning and memory.

• Structural plasticity: This involves the brain changing its physical structure as a result of learning. During such changes, the brain's physical circuitry reflects the tasks it is performing.

• Functional plasticity: This involves the brain moving functions from a damaged area of the brain to other undamaged areas.

Implications

The implications of neural plasticity are wide-ranging, from recovery of function in adults after brain injury, to the possibility of enhancing the cognitive abilities of healthy individuals. It also has potential implications for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

See also

• Neurogenesis
• Brain-derived neurotrophic factor
• Long-term potentiation
• Neuroscience