neuroplasticity
Mental pathway remodeling
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.
This capacity allows the brain to compensate for injury, adapt to new experiences, and strengthen frequently used pathways: Physical therapy relies on neuroplasticity to help stroke patients regain movement.
The concept overturned older views that adult brains were essentially fixed.
Neuron-to-neuron transmission points
- dendritesNeuron's signal-receiving projections
- axonsNeuron output extensions
- cortexOrgan's external tissue
- hippocampusMemory formation region
myelin · glial · neurogenesis · amygdala · cerebellum
Replacing electrical connections
- reorganizationChanging how something's arranged
- compensationPayment for services rendered
- remappingReassigning input functions
- flexibilityAbility to adapt easily
Chemical neural messengers
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
- GABAInhibitory brain neurotransmitter
acetylcholine · norepinephrine · oxytocin · endorphins · neuropeptides · neuromodulation
Converting data to format
- consolidationCombining into unified whole
- retrievalAct of getting back
- brain-trainingMental acuity development
- bilingualismProficiency in two languages
synapses
Neuron-to-neuron transmission points
- dendritesNeuron's signal-receiving projections
- axonsNeuron output extensions
- cortexOrgan's external tissue
hippocampus · myelin · glial · neurogenesis · amygdala · cerebellum
rewiring
Replacing electrical connections
- reorganizationChanging how something's arranged
- compensationPayment for services rendered
- remappingReassigning input functions
neurotransmitters
Chemical neural messengers
- dopamineReward-linked neural messenger
- serotoninMood-regulating brain chemical
- glutamateExcitatory neural transmitter
GABA · acetylcholine · norepinephrine · oxytocin · endorphins · neuropeptides · neuromodulation
encoding
Converting data to format
- consolidationCombining into unified whole
- retrievalAct of getting back
- brain-trainingMental acuity development
- developmentgrowth, progress, advancement, expansion, improvement
- rehabilitationrehab, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, inpatient rehab
- brain trainingbrain training, memory, focus, mental fitness, cognitive training
- brain sciencebrain scan, brain research, brain map, brain imaging, brain chemistry
- nervous systembrain, nerves, spinal cord, axon, dendrite
- neurologybrain, synapse, synapses, axon, CNS
plastic, plasticity, neural, neuron, neurons, neuronal, synaptic, plasticizer, plasticize