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Neuroplasticity is a biological term that means the ability of the nerve cells in the brain to adapt, change and reorganize. It happens when the previous information changes, sensory stimulation, development or any kind of damage takes place.
- Neuroplasticity is also considered Brain Plasticity or Neural Plasticity.
- The changes or reorganization takes place when the brain starts to function in different ways with respect to the previous functioning.
- There are levels of changes that happen during Neuroplasticity.
- The neuron creates new connections to systematic adjustments like cortical remapping.
Some examples of neuroplasticity or brain plasticity involve circuit and network changes. It is due to the adaptation of the new abilities.
Key Terms: Neuroplasticity, Brain, Plasticity, Neurons, Brain Damage, Neural Plasticity, Nervous System, Nerve Cells
What is Neuroplasticity?
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Neuroplasticity is the ability of the brain to accept or change its function because of the new information/experience. The term "neuroplasticity" refers to the capability of the brain to reorganize, change, or grow neural networks. This can lead to different changes within the brain. There are functional changes that could happen due to brain damage or structural changes because of learning new experiences.
- Plasticity simply means to change or adapt in response to the environment.
- The nerve cells are considered the building blocks of the brain and the nervous system.
- The process of neuroplasticity helps the nerve cells to change or adjust.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity is considered to be a process of development of the brain. It means
- The brain can retrieve or restore old information and functions which were not used for a long period.
- It is the process that is responsible for enhancing memory as well as the cognitive skills in the brain.
Types of Neuroplasticity
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Human Brain is the master of the entire body as it controls the different types of actions which happen in the body. There are approximately 100 billion neurons present in the brain of a human. The process of neuroplasticity helps the brain to create new neurons, and new connections and reorganize pathways. There are different types of neuroplasticity or brain plasticity. They are given as follows:
- Functional Plasticity: Functional plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to function properly. It moves from the damaged region to the safe region of the brain.
- Structural Plasticity: Structural plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change its physical structure due to learning new information.
- Cross-Modal Plasticity: This type of brain plasticity refers to the introduction of new inputs into a brain area that is deprived of its main inputs. After this type of plasticity is done, the visual cortices of blind people can be able to function properly. Their cognitive and visual skills start working properly.
- Map Expansion: Map Expansion refers to the enlargement of the local brain regions which tend to perform only one type of function in the brain. It is the region where particular information is stored. In the cerebral cortex of the brain, the arrangement of these local regions is done.
- Homologous Area Adaptation: This process of plasticity occurs when the brain module gets damaged at an early stage of development. This type of plasticity is considered normal operation. It can adjust to a particular area of the brain. It does not include the affected module.
- Compensatory Masquerade: This type of neuroplasticity occurs when the brain chooses an alternative strategy or way of performing a task when the initial strategy cannot be followed due to impairment.
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How Does Neuroplasticity Work?
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The rapid growth of the brain takes place in the early age of childhood.
- During the period of birth, the neuron has almost 2,500 synapses or small gaps through which nerve impulses are transferred.
- When the age of the child turns three, there is an increase in the number of synapses. It becomes 13,000 - 16,000 synapses on each neuron.
- Whereas, in the case of humans (or an adult), only half the number of synapses are present. This is because humans experience new things in their life.
- There are some changes and modifications that happen within the brain when they receive new information.
- So the connection gets strengthened and sometimes it gets distorted. This process is known as "synaptic pruning".
Neurons should be used at regular intervals so that the connection could become more strong. When the development of the connections of neurons takes place and the weaker neurons are replaced, then the brain can cope with the new environment.
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Brain Damage
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Brain damage is a condition in which the brain is not able to function properly. Damage to the brain can occur due for several reasons.
- When the brain is starved of oxygen for a long period, then damage may occur.
- Some kinds of injuries, illnesses or serious medical conditions are also responsible for brain damage.
Brain damage can be treated under medical instructions. Brain damage can be of two types. The first is Traumatic Brain Injury and the other is Acquired Brain Injury.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: This can be caused due to external factors like accidents. Injuries occur and cause skull damage which leads to damage to the brain.
- Acquired Brain Injury: This type of brain injury is within the cells of the brain. It is connected with the pressure in the brain which could be the reason for tumours inside the brain. In both cases, treatment is needed so that the injury can be recovered soon.
Treatment of Brain Damage
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The treatment of Brain Damage can be done through the following methods:
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy for the brain can help rehabilitate functional independent individual skills such as movement, memory, emotional regulation, and sensory processing.
- Physical Therapy: Physical therapy helps in recovering independent movements such as movement of fingers, hands, and legs.
- Speed and Language Therapy: Speed and Language therapy help to support the individual to succeed in their respective environment and participate in the community.
- Meditation: Meditation helps in regaining concentration and the ability of the body to recover itself. Also, meditation helps in reducing anxiety, depression, and fear.
- Exercise to Become Fit: Exercise helps in neurogenesis, which increases the development of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). Aerobic exercise helps in improving executive functions.
Applications and Examples of Neuroplasticity
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Neurogenesis is the process of the formation of new brain cells to function effectively. Hippocampus and Olfactory bulb have been included in neurogenesis. In some of the research, it has been found that a particular area of the brain including the cerebellum is also involved in this process of neurogenesis.
Some applications of neuroplasticity are given.
- Learning a New Language.
- Hippocampus of Animals
- Olfactory Pathway
- Learning Musical Instruments
Benefits of Neuroplasticity
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The benefits of Neuroplasticity are listed below:
- Neuroplasticity is a process that helps the brain to learn new things.
- It increases the capability to modify the previous cognitive abilities/skills.
- Brain injuries and brain strokes are recovered through this process.
- It helps to strengthen those parts which do not function properly within the brain.
- The brain's fitness also improves.
Limitations of Neuroplasticity
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There are some limitations of Neuroplasticity. There are certainly important as well as major actions that are done by the brain in its different regions. It plays a crucial role in cognitive development, language, movement, etc.
- After neuroplasticity, it can damage the key areas of the brain.
- It will lead to abnormal function of the brain sometimes.
- Neurological disorders such as epilepsy, cerebral palsy, tuberous sclerosis, and Fragile X syndrome can hinder the process of neuroplasticity.
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Things to Remember
- Neuroplasticity is the process of physiological changes which occurs in the brain.
- The phenomenon is caused due to the response or interactions with the outer environment.
- Neuroplasticity is very important for the human brain as it improves the function of the brain.
- It also helps in recovering from brain injuries and trauma.
- There are mainly two types of brain plasticity that occur due to different activities namely Structural Plasticity and Functional Plasticity.
- Structural plasticity helps to make the connection between neurons and synapses more strong.
- Functional plasticity causes permanent modification in the synapses due to development and learning.
- Brain plasticity has some advantages as well as limitations as the effects are sometimes improper.
Sample Questions
Ques. What does Neuroplasticity mean? (1 Mark)
Ans. Neuroplasticity is the tendency/ability of the brain to adapt, change or reorganize and form new neural connections in response to the environment. Neuroplasticity is also considered Neural or Brain plasticity.
Ques. State some characteristics of Neuroplasticity. (3 Marks)
Ans. The different characteristics of Neuroplasticity are given below.
- It can vary by age.
- There are a variety of processes that are responsible for neuroplasticity.
- The process of neuroplasticity occurs because of two different reasons.
- The main factor that plays an important role in neuroplasticity is the Environment.
- Brain plasticity or Neuroplasticity is not always helpful.
- When the brain comes into the stage of development, it gains more plasticity psychology compared to that of the adult brain.
Ques. Why is Neuroplasticity important? (3 Marks)
Ans. Neuroplasticity is important because of the following reasons:
- The brain could not function properly.
- It would not learn or adapt to new things.
Neuroplasticity has advantages too as it is responsible for the healthy function of the brain. The process is more active in the brain of the child in comparison to the adult brain. It is because of the high level of development that occurs in childhood.
Ques. Give an example of Neuroplasticity or Brain Plasticity. (3 Marks)
Ans. This can be understood from the example. Blind children receive increased connectivity and reorganized neural circuits. It is just the opposite in the case of normal children. This shows that the brain adapts to the inability and transforms its physical structure and function. In this way, blind children hold a high ability to use the information received from the other senses (such as hearing and touch).
Ques. What are the different ways through which neuroplasticity can be improved? (3 Marks)
Ans. There are different ways through which brain plasticity or neuroplasticity can be improved. These are discussed below.
- Exercise of the cognitive parts.
- The social contract should be done.
- Aerobic exercise can be done.
- Root Passions and Goals through mindfulness can be.
Ques. Name two types of Neuroplasticity. (1 Mark)
Ans. Two types of neuroplasticity are
- Functional Neuroplasticity
- Structural Neuroplasticity
Ques. On which basis Neuroplasticity is dependent? (2 Marks)
Ans. Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change or adapt and rewire itself in response to the stimulation of learning and experience in the environment. Neurogenesis is the process in which new neurons and connections between synapses are created.
Ques. Mention the function of the brain. (3 Marks)
Ans. The brain functions in different ways. They are discussed here.
- The brain controls the whole function of the body.
- Hypothalamus regulates activities, monitors information from the nervous system, and maintains body temperature.
- Thought, memory, emotion, touch, motor skills, vision, breathing, temperature, and hunger feeling all are controlled by the brain.
- Midbrain performs important functions like the movement of the eyes and visual processing.
- The cerebellum monitors movements like posture, balance, coordination, and speech which results in balanced and smooth muscular activity.
Ques. What are the limitations of Neuroplasticity? (2 Marks)
Ans. Neuroplasticity is considered a lifelong and continuous process. It happens as a result of learning, experiencing new things, and in the formation of the memory. In many cases, it has been seen that the brain never stops changing in response to learning and adapting.
Ques. How structural plasticity is different from functional plasticity? (3 Marks)
Ans. Structural plasticity is different from functional plasticity in the following ways:
- Structural plasticity is the ability of the brain to change its physical structure in the process of learning.
- Functional plasticity is the ability of the brain to transfer functions from a damaged part of the brain to a non-damaged part.
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