Neural plasticity

Neural plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This process allows the neurons (nerve cells) in the brain to compensate for injury and disease and to adjust their activities in response to new situations or changes in their environment.

Key aspects of neural plasticity include:

1. Synaptic Plasticity: This involves changes in the strength of connections between neurons, known as synapses. These changes can enhance or weaken the signals between neurons, affecting learning and memory.
2. Structural Plasticity: This refers to the brain's ability to physically change its structure in response to learning, experience, or damage. This can include the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) and the formation of new synaptic connections.
3. Functional Plasticity: This is the brain's ability to move functions from damaged areas to undamaged areas. For example, after a stroke, the brain may reassign functions like speech or movement to other areas.
4. Experience-Dependent Plasticity: This type of plasticity is driven by learning and experience. It highlights the brain's ability to change in response to training or practice, such as learning a new skill or language.

Neural plasticity is fundamental to many processes, including development, learning, memory, and recovery from brain injuries.

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