plastic capable of being molded
neuron main communicating cells of the CNS
threshold the level of stimulation required to trigger a neural impulse
Neuroplasticity multiple processes and multiple opportunities for neurone to change their
behaviour
3 ways neuroplasticity occurs 1. change the properties of neurotransmission
- change in transmitter release
- change in PSP size or shape
2. change in cell properties
- size and shape
- electrical properties (resistance)
- "leakiness" of membrane
3. structural/anatomical changes of cell
,OCCTH 585 - Test 1 Questions And Answers
unmasking the exposure of silent synapses
unmasking steps 1. cell responds to dominant input
2. injury or disease occurs
3. non-dominant input is expressed
dendritic pruning removal of connections that are no longer needed or incorrect
dendritic pruning steps 1. loss of input to the neuron
2. dendrites retract
collateral sprouting the process by which axons of some healthy neurons adjacent to
damaged cells grow new branches
collateral sprouting steps 1. no input to neuron
2. dendrites start to retract
3. healthy nerve in the area sends out new inputs
, OCCTH 585 - Test 1 Questions And Answers
4. form new connections on the dendrites
activity dependent a property of neural plasticity such that changes in a neuron's
functioning will occur only if that neuron is active (firing) at the same time as another neuron
neurogenesis the development of new neurons
neurogenesis locations 1. sub ventricular zone (olfactory bulb)
2. dente gyrus of hippocampus
fetal cells basic cells that can be turned into any other cella
activity dependent steps 1. neural activity (the firing of APs in neurons
2. release of NT at synapses
3. cell has to be active to take up the signal
4. produce collateral sprouts in neurone that are active
neurotrophins used to stabilize the position of the synapse