NEURONAL PLASTICITIES Meaning and
Definition
-
Neuronal plasticity refers to the brain's ability to change and adapt throughout an individual's lifetime as a response to various stimuli and experiences. It is the process by which the structure and function of neurons (nerve cells) in the brain can be modified in order to facilitate learning, memory formation, and recovery from injury.
At the cellular level, neuronal plasticity involves the creation of new connections between neurons, the strengthening or weakening of existing connections, and the growth of new neurons (neurogenesis) in certain regions of the brain. These changes are mediated by the activation of specific genes and the production of proteins that facilitate the structural and functional modifications.
Neuronal plasticity occurs in various forms, including synaptic plasticity and structural plasticity. Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses (the connections between neurons) to change their strength and efficiency in transmitting signals. This process is essential for learning and memory formation as it allows for the storage and retrieval of information in the brain.
Structural plasticity refers to the physical changes in neuronal architecture, such as the growth of new dendritic spines (tiny protrusions on neurons that receive signals from other neurons) or the sprouting of new axonal branches (extensions that transmit signals to other neurons). These structural modifications play a crucial role in brain development, learning, and recovery from brain damage.
Overall, neuronal plasticity is a fundamental characteristic of the brain and is essential for cognitive abilities, adaptation to the environment, and overall brain health.
Common Misspellings for NEURONAL PLASTICITIES
- beuronal plasticities
- meuronal plasticities
- jeuronal plasticities
- heuronal plasticities
- nwuronal plasticities
- nsuronal plasticities
- nduronal plasticities
- nruronal plasticities
- n4uronal plasticities
- n3uronal plasticities
- neyronal plasticities
- nehronal plasticities
- nejronal plasticities
- neironal plasticities
- ne8ronal plasticities
- ne7ronal plasticities
- neueonal plasticities
- neudonal plasticities
- neufonal plasticities
- neutonal plasticities
Etymology of NEURONAL PLASTICITIES
The word "neuronal plasticity" is derived from two main components: "neuronal" and "plasticity".
1. Neuronal: comes from the noun "neuron", which refers to a specialized cell in the nervous system that transmits information through electrical and chemical signals. The term "neuron" itself is borrowed from the Greek word "neuron", meaning "nerve" or "sinew".
2. Plasticity: originates from the Latin adjective "plasticus", which means "capable of being shaped or molded". It is derived from the Greek word "plastikos", which means "fit for molding". The term "plasticity" is used to describe the ability of something to be modified, altered, or reshaped.
