Dictionary of Biological Psychology
The degree to which the CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM is plastic is uncertain. It was thought that, once in adult form, the mammalian central nervous system could not regenerate or develop further—all it could do was degenerate and die. This may not be the case. Some degree of reconnection may be possible following damage, and neurons (see NEURON) in the HIPPOCAMPUS for example appear to be produced in adult life.
Certain species of animal with distinct seasonal patterns in their behaviour also show a seasonal plasticity. For example, the circuitry controlling BIRDSONG in many species changes, with changes in the numbers and size of neurons reflecting seasonal changes in behaviour and LEARNING.
See also: recovery of function; sensitization (receptor); supersensitivity
Reference
Tramontin A.D. & Brenowitz E.A. (2000) Seasonal plasticity in the adult brain. Trends in Neuroscience 23:251–258.
This is the complete article, containing 135 words
(approx. 1 page at 300 words per page).
View More Summaries on Synaptic plasticity
