Neural Plasticity (None)

Neural plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, is the capacity of the nervous system to change and adapt both structurally and functionally in response to intrinsic or extrinsic stimuli. This includes growth, reorganization, and modification of connections between neurons due to learning, experience, environmental changes, injury recovery, sensory adaptation, or cognitive challenges. It underlies essential processes such as development of the nervous system; learning new skills; memory formation; adaptation to sensory loss; compensation after brain damage; and even some pathological states. Key mechanisms include synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, long-term potentiation, neurogenesis, and dendritic remodeling. At a molecular level, changes are mediated by signaling pathways involving calcium influx through NMDA receptors, activation of kinases like CaMKII/ERK1/2 MAPK pathways, BDNF/TrkB signaling for growth support, transcription factors such as CREB/NF-kB, and immediate early genes (IEGs) like c-Fos and Arc.

Other names

NeuroplasticityPlasticity