Library · Physiology
Neuroplasticity
Make it clearer
Neuroplasticity is the word for something simple to state: the nervous system rearranges itself. It is not a fixed set of wires. It changes its structure, its functions and its connections in response to what happens to it, whether that comes from inside or outside.
It shows most clearly in synaptic plasticity. The synapse is the point where one neuron speaks to another, and that conversation can grow stronger and stay that way for a long time if it is repeated. That phenomenon is called long-term potentiation, and it is the clearest expression of plasticity. It is a path worn into the grass, clearer the more it is walked.
After an injury, such as a cerebral infarction, new connections form, and over the weeks to months that follow there is axonal sprouting, that is, the axons, which are the neuron's output cables, put out new branches around the damaged area.
It is worth saying something that often gets left out: the change is not always for the better. It can restore function, it can make no difference, and it can be harmful, with pathological consequences.
In brief
Neuroplasticity is the structural and functional change by which the nervous system adapts to internal or external stimuli.
Synaptic plasticity is a lasting change in the strength of neuronal connections, and its clearest expression is long-term potentiation.
A path worn into the grass, clearer the more it is walked.
After an injury new connections form and, over the weeks to months that follow, there is axonal sprouting around the damaged area.
The change can be beneficial, neutral or harmful, with pathological consequences.
Sources (1)
- National Center for Biotechnology Information, StatPearls PublishingNeuroplasticity, StatPearlsPublished
This page explains the topic in general terms; it does not tell anyone what treatment to follow.
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