Neuroplasticity describes the nervous system's ability to change in response to development, experience, learning and some forms of injury.
How It Works
Plastic changes can involve synaptic strengthening or weakening, changes in dendritic structure, formation or elimination of connections and shifts in network activity.
Key Facts
Repeated meaningful practice can reinforce circuits involved in a skill. After neurological injury, surviving networks can sometimes reorganize and support recovery through rehabilitation.
Why It Matters
Plasticity has limits. It does not mean any brain region can instantly replace another or that every neurological problem can be reversed with one exercise.
Quick Answer
This topic is best understood as part of an interconnected nervous system. Current neuroscience supports specialized functions but also emphasizes communication among distributed brain networks.
FAQs
Is the brain made of independent parts?
No. Different regions have specialized roles, but complex functions normally depend on coordinated networks.
Can brain function change?
Yes. Development, learning, experience and some forms of injury can produce changes in neural circuits through neuroplasticity.
Sources
NCBI Bookshelf · NIH NICHD Neuroscience · BrainFacts
Brain Science Video
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Further Reading
BrainFacts.org provides editorially independent brain and nervous-system information from the Society for Neuroscience.
BrainFactsBrain Science Video
Watch a BrainFacts overview of human brain anatomy and neuroscience.
