Ability of the nervous system to change its structure (anatomy) and its operation
throughout its life, in response to the diversity of the environment.
Changes at different levels in the nervous system
The brain has a considerable number reservation neurons to modulate either the input
information as the complexity of responses.
Neural circuits that require large concentrations of neurons are
able to adjust the new entries of information and adjust their
synaptic connections (neural links). Also, to store memories,
interpret and issue efficient responses to any stimulus or
generate new learning.
Molecular events (such as changes in gene
expression) to behavior
Neuroplasticity
or cortical
mapping.
Factors
Age
In our early years we acquire neuro-developmental learning to adapt to certain
events and functions (displacement, communication, social interaction).
Synaptic pruning
Neurons that are frequently used develop and
strengthen connections more than those rarely
used. Neurons that are never used die..
Life experience
The so-called repetitive training and care during the execution of the tasks, they
can improve neural connections and make them functional, thus achieving
greater learning capacity and speed of memory recall.
Environment and genetics
William James suggested that the brain was not perhaps as unchanging as
previously believed: "Matter organic, especially nervous tissue, it seems
endowed with an extraordinary degree of plasticity "
Main types
Synaptic plasticity
Whenever you acquire new knowledge (through repeated
practice), the communication or transmission synaptic
between neurons involved is strengthened.
Neurogenesis
Birth and proliferation of new neurons
in the brain.
Functional plasticity
Age-related deficits and decreased synaptic plasticity
associated with aging, some elderly reorganize their
neurocognitive networks., activate other neural pathways, and
more often active regions in both hemispheres (which only
occurs in older people).