*No 16 mark question just for plasticity or functional recovery, however potentially on both
combined.
Plasticity in the brain
What is it? The brains tendency to change and adapt its structures and processes, functionally and
physically as a result of experience and learning. This links directly to 'functional recovery after
trauma' how certain abilities of the brain move or redistribute rather than lost. Also referred to as
neuroplasticity.
Synapses and neurons: During infancy, synaptic connections are at peak by 2-3 years old (around
15,000. half the amount of an adult brain. Through ageing, rarely used connections are deleted and
frequently used pathways are strengthened... (Synaptic pruning).
In response to damage: When a brain area is damaged, nearby undamaged areas actively stimulate
the damaged area to make up for the loss of function by creating new synaptic connections to re-
route signals.
Evaluation of Plasticity (+/-):
Strength: research support for changing of structures as a result of learning and function
development. Maguire (2000) 'London cab drivers' found significantly more grey matter
in the posterior hippocampus of drivers than a matched control group (part of brain
associated with navigation skills). There was a positive correlation between time as a taxi
driver and amount of grey matter that had restructured. To conclude, these results show
structural differences between hippocampi of London taxi drivers or non taxi drivers.
Suggesting extensive practise in spatial navigation can restructure the hippocampi which
supports neuroplasticity.
Limitation: Plasticity can have negative behavioural consequences. Evidence has shown that the
response of plasticity to prolonged drug use has lead to poorer cognitive abilities as well as an
increased risk of dementia. Further, amputees have been known to experience 'phantom limb
syndrome' whereby sensations of the missing limb continue as if it is still there, these sensations
are often painful. Therefore, the brains ability to adapt to damage is not always beneficial or
resolving.
combined.
Plasticity in the brain
What is it? The brains tendency to change and adapt its structures and processes, functionally and
physically as a result of experience and learning. This links directly to 'functional recovery after
trauma' how certain abilities of the brain move or redistribute rather than lost. Also referred to as
neuroplasticity.
Synapses and neurons: During infancy, synaptic connections are at peak by 2-3 years old (around
15,000. half the amount of an adult brain. Through ageing, rarely used connections are deleted and
frequently used pathways are strengthened... (Synaptic pruning).
In response to damage: When a brain area is damaged, nearby undamaged areas actively stimulate
the damaged area to make up for the loss of function by creating new synaptic connections to re-
route signals.
Evaluation of Plasticity (+/-):
Strength: research support for changing of structures as a result of learning and function
development. Maguire (2000) 'London cab drivers' found significantly more grey matter
in the posterior hippocampus of drivers than a matched control group (part of brain
associated with navigation skills). There was a positive correlation between time as a taxi
driver and amount of grey matter that had restructured. To conclude, these results show
structural differences between hippocampi of London taxi drivers or non taxi drivers.
Suggesting extensive practise in spatial navigation can restructure the hippocampi which
supports neuroplasticity.
Limitation: Plasticity can have negative behavioural consequences. Evidence has shown that the
response of plasticity to prolonged drug use has lead to poorer cognitive abilities as well as an
increased risk of dementia. Further, amputees have been known to experience 'phantom limb
syndrome' whereby sensations of the missing limb continue as if it is still there, these sensations
are often painful. Therefore, the brains ability to adapt to damage is not always beneficial or
resolving.
