Neuroplasticity
NOOR-oh-plass-TISS-ih-tee
/ˌnjʊəroʊplæˈstɪsɪti/
The ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.
Highlights the brain's dynamic and adaptable nature, challenging the older view of a fixed brain structure.
The story behind the word. This word is a modern compound, combining 'neuro-' (from Greek 'neuron,' meaning 'nerve') with 'plasticity' (from Greek 'plastos,' meaning 'molded' or 'formable'). The concept of the brain's ability to change and adapt gained significant traction in the late 20th century, leading to the widespread adoption of this precise term to describe the brain's 'moldable' nature.
Word relationships
- brain plasticity: A slightly less formal but equivalent term.
- neural plasticity: Similar to brain plasticity, emphasizing the neural aspect.
Word family
- neuroplastic (adjective): Having the ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections.
Collocations
- demonstrate neuroplasticity
- harness neuroplasticity
- principles of neuroplasticity
- brain neuroplasticity
Example sentences
- "The discovery of neuroplasticity revolutionized our understanding of how the brain learns and recovers from damage." Brain science discovery
- "Physical therapy after a stroke relies heavily on the principles of neuroplasticity to help patients regain lost functions." Rehabilitation therapy
Memory hook
NEUROPLASTICITY is like 'new-row-plasticity' – new rows of connections are plastic and can be molded. New rows, plastic brain
When not to use
Do not use 'neuroplasticity' to describe general flexibility or adaptability outside the context of the nervous system.
Fun facts
- London taxi drivers, who must memorize thousands of streets, show increased gray matter in their hippocampus, a region associated with spatial memory, demonstrating neuroplasticity.
- Even simple activities like learning a new language or playing a musical instrument can induce significant neuroplastic changes.
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