| Term | Definition | Relevance to Neuroplasticity | | ---------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------- | | Neuroplasticity | The brain's ability to change and adapt as a result of experience | Core concept; underlies learning, memory, and adaptation | | Synapse | Junction between neurons where signals are transmitted | Site of many neuroplastic changes; can strengthen or weaken | | Neuron | Nerve cell that transmits information in the brain | Basic unit of the nervous system; undergoes plastic changes | | Hippocampus | Brain region crucial for memory formation | One of the most plastic brain areas; site of adult neurogenesis | | Neurogenesis | Formation of new neurons | Form of structural plasticity; occurs mainly in hippocampus in adults | | Synaptic Plasticity | Changes in strength of synaptic connections | Key mechanism of neuroplasticity; includes LTP and LTD | | LTP (Long-Term Potentiation) | Persistent strengthening of synapses | Cellular basis for learning and memory | | LTD (Long-Term Depression) | Persistent weakening of synapses | Complements LTP; important for fine-tuning neural circuits | | Hebbian Theory | "Neurons that fire together, wire together" | Explains how synapses strengthen through simultaneous activation | | Structural Plasticity | Physical changes in brain structure | Includes neurogenesis and changes in neural connections | | Functional Plasticity | Brain's ability to move functions to undamaged areas | Important in recovery from brain injury | | Cognitive Flexibility | Ability to adapt behavior in response to changes | Relies on and demonstrates neuroplasticity | | Neuroplasticity-based Treatments | Therapies that leverage brain's ability to change | Used for stroke recovery, chronic pain, tinnitus, etc. | | Critical Periods | Developmental stages of enhanced plasticity | Important in early development; can be reopened in adulthood | | [[072124 12642 epigenetics cheatsheet\|Epigenetics]] | Changes in gene expression without DNA sequence changes | Can influence neuroplasticity; affected by environment and experiences | | Neurotrophic Factors | Proteins that support neuron growth and survival | Play crucial role in promoting neuroplasticity | | [[Pruning]] | Elimination of weak or unused synaptic connections | Natural process that enhances efficiency of neural networks | | Myelination | Formation of myelin sheath around axons | Can be influenced by experience; affects speed of neural transmission | | Neuroplasticity and Addiction | Brain changes due to substance use or behaviors | Explains formation of addictive behaviors and potential for recovery | | Stress and Neuroplasticity | Impact of stress on brain's ability to change | Chronic stress can impair plasticity; manageable stress can enhance it | #neuroscience #psychology #health #cheatsheet