The brain demonstrates remarkable adaptability through research on brain plasticity and functional recovery, allowing it to modify its structure and function based on experiences while also showing capacity for healing after injury.
- Plasticity enables continuous creation of neural pathways and modification of existing ones through synaptic bridging, while unused connections are removed through effects of synaptic pruning
- Studies of London taxi drivers reveal increased hippocampal grey matter, demonstrating experience-based brain changes
- The functional recovery process in brain after damage involves axonal sprouting, blood vessel reformation, and neural reorganization
- Research supports plasticity through studies showing increased grey matter from video gaming and juggling
- Practical applications include neurorehabilitation techniques, though negative aspects like phantom limb syndrome exist
