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Photo by Robina Weermeijer on Unsplash |
The brain, containing billions of neurons, is by far the most complicated structure ever explored by mankind.
There is this long-standing misconception that the brain does not undergo any changes. However, modern neuroscience has proven this to be a false claim. The brain has an amazing capacity for change and adaptation, a phenomenon called; Neuroplasticity.
Neuroscience has shown us that the brain is a very dynamic organ that rewires itself in response to various actions.
How Is Your Brain Wired?
Before we discuss what Neuroplasticity is, first we need to have an overlook of the structure of our brains to understand the full picture.
Your brain consists of billions of neurons, all organized and connected in a breath-taking harmony to produce certain functions:
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If you check the above pictures, you can get an overall idea of the way your brain works.
Your brain consists of billions of neurons all having the same basic structure above; a cell body and a nerve terminal.
All neurons communicate with each other through a space between them called the synapse.
In this space, the neuron before the synapse (Presynaptic neuron) releases specific neurotransmitters to set off an action in the neuron after the synapse (Postsynaptic neuron).
This action could be excitatory or inhibitory depending on the type of neurotransmitter released.
What Is Neuroplasticity?
Now coming back to our original argument.
Neuroplasticity is the brain’s ability to reorganize the structure, function, and connections between its neurons in response to internal and external stimuli.
It involves the strengthening or weakening of synaptic connections between neurons and the generation of new neurons and synapses.
For example, when you want to learn a new language, your brain creates new connections between its neurons to allow you to do so.
Or let’s say that someone got an injury in their brain, what happens after a while is that the brain tries to overcome this obstacle by rewiring the routes bypassing the damaged neurons to maintain the function.
How Does Neuroplasticity Happen?
Repetition
The synapses that we just discussed can change in strength and efficiency in response to activity.
Repeated stimulation strengthens or weakens synaptic connections, respectively.
Neuroplasticity is most prominent in the hippocampus, where it contributes to learning and memory. This forms the basis of learning and memory.
Simply, the more your brain is exposed to repeated activity, it will strengthen the synapse connection in this area.
For example, you are trying to learn a language every day. the more you try, the stronger the connections between your neurons become and the easier and more familiar it becomes.
Another example is memory, specifically long-term memory. The more you are exposed to an experience, the more your brain creates strong connections to register this as a memory. Of course in some cases, the experience happens one time but it is so strong that the brain already created a strong connection and registered it in the long-term memory.
Conclusion:
Neuroplasticity stands as a testament to the brain’s extraordinary capacity for adaptation and growth throughout life.
As we learn more about neuroplasticity, we’ll discover even more ways to make the most of our brains and help people live better lives.
In a world where everything is always changing, the brain’s ability to adapt gives us lots of chances to learn new things, make discoveries, and change for the better.