Name: how the brain rewires itself
Uploaded: 2024-10-24T14:03:06.000Z
Duration: 1 min 1 s
Channel: JoVE

Neuroplasticity is an inherent characteristic of the nervous system to reorganize itself by creating new neural connections in response to factors or stimuli, such as learning, experience, or injury.
Changes in the neural network occur through four distinct processes.
The growth of dendrites and axons increases the structural complexity of the brain.
Synaptogenesis fosters new synaptic connections, enhancing communication pathways between neurons.
Pruning eliminates excess neurons and connections, optimizing neural networks for efficiency.
Lastly, myelination enhances signal transmission, which is crucial for quick and efficient brain activities.
Learning new skills, such as musical training, expands the brain&#39;s network through additional synaptic connections and strengthens existing ones.

neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity reflects the brain&#39;s remarkable capacity to adapt and evolve, responding dynamically to learning, experiences, or injury by reorganizing its neural circuitry. This reorganization involves creating new neural connections and refining old ones through a series of biological processes that contribute to the brain&#39;s lifelong development and adaptability.
<ul>
	<li>&#8226; The brain&#39;s ability to change begins with the growth of dendrites and axons, which effectively increases the structural complexity of its circuitry.</li>
	<li>&#8226; This growth facilitates the expansion of the neural network, allowing for increased connectivity and potential processing power.</li>
	<li>&#8226; Following this, synaptogenesis occurs, establishing new synaptic connections that enhance the communication pathways between neurons.</li>
	<li>&#8226; These connections are vital for the transmission of electrical and chemical signals across the brain, leading to improved function and learning capabilities.</li>
</ul>
As the brain develops and adapts, not all neural connections remain beneficial or necessary. This is where the process of pruning comes into play.
<ul>
	<li>&#8226; Pruning is like a gardener trimming the excess branches of a tree to help it grow better. In the brain, it eliminates excess neurons and their connections.</li>
	<li>&#8226; This optimization helps streamline neural pathways, ensuring that the most efficient and essential connections prevail.</li>
	<li>&#8226; Pruning is crucial for maintaining cognitive clarity and efficiency as the brain evolves.</li>
	<li>&#8226; Another significant process is myelination, where myelin sheaths form around the axons of neurons.</li>
	<li>&#8226; Myelination significantly boosts the speed and efficiency of electrical signal transmission between brain cells, facilitating quicker reflexes and enhanced processing abilities.</li>
</ul>
The impact of learning new skills, such as musical training, illustrates the practical aspects of neuroplasticity. For instance, when a person learns to play a musical instrument, their brain forms additional synaptic connections and strengthens existing ones. This enhancement in the neural network improves the efficacy of neurotransmitter activities and overall neural responses, demonstrating the brain&#39;s ability to adapt its function according to new challenges or skills.
In cases of injury or illness, the brain&#39;s capacity for neuroplasticity manifests as a crucial adaptive mechanism. For example, in individuals who are blind, the brain compensates by reallocating visual areas to process tactile and auditory information, such as reading Braille or heightened hearing. This adaptability underlines the brain&#39;s ingenious ability to repurpose its resources and optimize functioning in response to sensory loss, showcasing its intrinsic resilience and flexibility.

Neuroplasticity

Neuroplasticity is an inherent characteristic of the nervous system to reorganize itself by creating new neural connections in response to factors or ...

Education

JoVE Core

Introduction to Psychology

Unit 1

Biopsychology

KEY TERMS AND CONCEPTS

how the brain rewires itself

Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury. It allows neural circuits to reorganize over time. This flexibility supports lifelong development and adaptation.

One part of this change begins when dendrites and axons grow. Dendrites receive signals, and axons send them. As they grow, the brain’s circuitry becomes more complex and can support more connections.

Next, synaptogenesis occurs. Synaptogenesis is the formation of new synapses, or communication points, between neurons. These new links help electrical and chemical signals move through the brain and can improve learning and overall function.

The brain also uses pruning to remove connections it does not need. Pruning works like trimming a tree to help it grow better. By eliminating extra neurons and connections, the brain keeps the most efficient pathways and maintains clearer, faster processing.

Myelination is another key process. During myelination, myelin sheaths form around axons. Myelin helps electrical signals travel faster and more efficiently, which can support quicker reflexes and stronger processing ability.

Learning a new skill shows neuroplasticity in action. For example, musical training can lead the brain to form more synaptic connections and strengthen existing ones. This change improves neural responses and shows how the brain adapts to new challenges.

Neuroplasticity is also important after injury or illness. In people who are blind, the brain can shift visual areas to process touch and sound instead. This can help with tasks such as reading Braille and can even support heightened hearing.

How the Brain Rewires Itself

introduction to biological bases of psychology

introduction-to-biological-bases-of-psychology

Biological Factors Shaping Behavior and Mind

Biopsychology connects biology and psychology by showing how the body influences behavior and mental processes. It focuses on the nervous system, neurotransmitters, hormones, genetics, and evolutionary ideas. Together, these areas help explain why people think, feel, and act the way they do. The nervous system is the main foundation of biopsychology. It has two parts: the central nervous system, or CNS, and the peripheral nervous system, or PNS. The CNS includes the brain and spinal cord and...

nervous system

Nervous System: CNS, PNS, and Reflexes

The nervous system helps the body sense, move, and respond. It works through a network of nerve cells that carry signals around the body. This system has two main parts: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The central nervous system, or CNS, includes the brain and spinal cord. The brain acts as the body’s control center. It processes sensory information and helps coordinate responses. The spinal cord serves as a major pathway for signals between the brain and the rest...

neurons as communicators of the brain

Neuron Parts and Signal Transmission

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Neurons send signals through electrochemical communication that supports brain and nervous system function. A key part of this process is the action potential, a rapid electrical change that starts when the neuron’s internal charge rises above a threshold. That signal then travels along the axon to the axon terminal, where it is ready to pass to another neuron. The connection point between two neurons is called a synapse. Synapses can be electrical or chemical, and each type moves information...

neurotransmitters

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Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that help neurons communicate. They play a major role in nervous system function, as well as in mood, movement, sleep, and social behavior. Serotonin is made in the brain and intestines. It is linked to well-being and happiness, and it helps regulate mood, appetite, and sleep. When serotonin levels are out of balance in the brain or in peripheral sites, depression and sleep problems can occur. Dopamine is produced in several brain areas, including the...

cerebral hemispheres

How the Brain’s Two Halves Work

The brain’s two cerebral hemispheres work together to process information and control the body. The left and right hemispheres are linked by the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers. This connection lets the two sides share sensory and motor information, with each hemisphere controlling the opposite side of the body. The hemispheres are also specialized for different tasks. This is called lateralization, which means certain functions are handled more strongly by one side than the...

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How Brain Lobes Shape Perception

The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres, and each hemisphere has four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital. Together, these lobes support the brain’s main cognitive and sensory jobs. They work as a team to help you think, feel, move, and respond to the world. The frontal lobe sits behind the forehead and acts as a control center for personality, intelligence, and voluntary muscle movement. It also contains the prefrontal cortex, a region that helps with planning,...

spinal cord

Spinal Cord Nerves and Reflexes

The spinal cord is a major part of the central nervous system. It runs from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It helps keep the body stable and carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. The spinal cord sits inside the bony spine for protection. It is divided into 30 segments that match the vertebrae. Each segment connects to a specific body region through paired spinal nerves. These spinal nerves are grouped by where they leave the...

lateralization

Brain Hemisphere Specialization

Brain hemisphere specialization divides mental tasks between the left and right sides of the brain. This split can improve neural efficiency and support more complex human abilities. Each hemisphere tends to handle the work it does best, which helps cognitive processing run more smoothly. The left hemisphere is especially strong in logic and language-related tasks. It supports analytical thinking, which means breaking a problem into parts and solving it step by step. This is important for...

human genetics

Genes, Behavior, and Mental Health

Human genetics explains how genes can influence behavior, emotions, and mental health. It also shows how a person’s genetic code can shape physical traits and the risk of disease. Each individual carries a unique set of genes, so the effects can be subtle or more noticeable. Genes help direct how the brain, hormones, and cells work. These body systems are all shaped by genetic instructions, and they help produce differences in thoughts and behavior. Human genetics therefore links biology with...

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Chromosomes, DNA, and Inherited Traits

Chromosomes, DNA, and inherited traits explain how genetic information is organized in the human body. Each cell contains a nucleus, and the nucleus holds 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs. These chromosomes are tightly coiled structures made of DNA, which carries the instructions passed from parents to offspring. An individual inherits one set of chromosomes from the mother through the egg and one set from the father through the sperm. This combination creates a unique genetic makeup. Of...

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Genetic variation helps explain why individuals in the same species can look and act differently. It comes from differences in DNA sequences. This diversity matters because it helps a species survive and adapt when the environment changes. Variation starts at fertilization, when an egg and sperm cell join. Each of these cells carries 23 chromosomes, so the fertilized egg can have up to 46 chromosomes. Chromosomes are long DNA strands that contain genes, which are the basic units of heredity. <br...

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Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to change its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury. It allows neural circuits to reorganize over time. This flexibility supports lifelong development and adaptation. One part of this change begins when dendrites and axons grow. Dendrites receive signals, and axons send them. As they grow, the brain’s circuitry becomes more complex and can support more connections. Next, synaptogenesis occurs. Synaptogenesis is the...

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Brain Scanning Techniques

Brain scanning techniques help scientists and doctors see the structure and activity of the human brain. These methods support the diagnosis, study, and treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The main techniques include computerized axial tomography, or CT, positron-emission tomography, or PET, magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, functional magnetic resonance imaging, or fMRI, and transcranial magnetic stimulation, or TMS. CT scans use X-ray technology to build detailed...

somatosensory, motor, and association cortex

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Brain Cortex Areas for Sensation and Movement

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the endocrine system

Endocrine Glands and Hormone Signals

The endocrine system is a network of glands that send hormone signals through the body. Hormones are chemical messengers that help control many body functions. They enter the bloodstream and travel to cells with the right receptors, or target sites, so the signal can be received. Because of this, hormone effects are widespread, unlike the more localized effects of neurotransmitters. This signaling helps the body keep a stable internal environment, called homeostasis. Several major glands...

major hormones and their functions

Hormone Imbalances and Their Effects

Hormones are chemical messengers made by endocrine glands. They help control body functions and keep internal conditions stable. When hormone levels shift too far up or down, normal body processes can be disrupted. Several major hormones have clear roles in the body. Oxytocin is made in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland. It supports social bonding, childbirth, and lactation. Low oxytocin can affect social interaction and stress response, and it may contribute to depression.

inheritance

Genes, Traits, and Mendel's Rules

Genes, traits, and Mendel's rules explain how characteristics pass from parents to offspring. Gregor Mendel's pea plant experiments changed how scientists understand heredity. His work showed that traits are controlled by discrete units inside organisms called genes. Genes usually come in pairs. One gene is inherited from each parent, and together they make a person's genotype. Genotype is the genetic blueprint for potential traits. Examples include blood type, eye color, and inherited...

gene-environment interactions

How Environment Shapes Gene Expression

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heritability

Heritability and the Environment

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natural selection and adaptation

Adaptation in Changing Environments

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Social Learning vs. Evolutionary Psychology

Social learning theory and evolutionary psychology offer two different ways to explain sexual behavior. A study in which strangers gave students compliments and then asked for casual sex showed a clear gender gap. None of the women said yes, while 70% of the men agreed. Evolutionary psychology explains this result by arguing that natural selection may have shaped women to be more selective about sexual partners. From this view, selectivity can help improve survival and reproductive success. It...

key terms and concepts

Explore how neuroplasticity changes brain circuits through growth, synapses, pruning, and myelination, with examples from learning and sensory loss.

How the Brain Rewires Itself | JoVE K12

JoVE Core Introduction to Psychology offers an engaging learning experience on the fundamental principles of psychology through concise video lessons. Students will explore important topics such as cognitive processes, emotional regulation, and neural mechanisms, establishing a strong foundation in the study of the mind and human behavior. This series provides an accessible and captivating approach to grasp the essential concepts of the discipline.

introduction to psychology

How the Brain Rewires Itself

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