Understanding:
• The plasticity of the nervous system allows it to change with experience
Neuroplasticity describes the capacity for the nervous system to change and rewire its synaptic connections
- Neuroplasticity enables individuals to reinforce certain connections (learning) or circumvent damaged regions
This adaptive response is achieved via two primary mechanisms – rerouting and sprouting
- Rerouting involves creating re-establishing an existing nervous connection via an alternative neural pathway
- Sprouting involves the growth of new axon or dendrite fibres to enable new neural connections to be formed
This reorganisation of the architecture of the nervous system enables memory retention and learning
Mechanisms of Neuroplasticity
TEDx Talk: Neuroplasticity
Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx