Plasticity and functional recovery

With reference to plasticity, which statement is false

• The brains ability to change and adapt in response to experience

• The changes can be both structural and functional

• At 2 years we have 8,000 synaptic connections per neuron

• At 8 years we have 8,000 synaptic connections per neuron

Synaptic pruning is....

• Weak, unused connections being re-established

• Weak, unused connections being deleted

• Weak, unused connections being repaired

• Weak, unused connections being developed

Which term correctly desribes the following:

"The surgical removal of one half of the brain"

• Hemispheralisation

• Hemispherectomy

• Hemispheric lateralisation

• Hemisotomy

When should a hemispherectomy by performed?

• At birth before the damage has developed

• In adulthood after most cognitive functions are in decline

• In childhood when there are most synpatic connections to cope

• In old age, the patient will not miss the functions

Which area of the hippocampus was enlarged in McGuire's study?

• Anterior

• Posterior

What does the McGuire study demonstrate?

• That adult brains are capable of functional recovery

• That adult brains are capable of plasticity

• That adult brains have better memories

• That taxi drivers are better at driving

Odd one out

• Neurogenesis

• Axonal terminal

• Axonal sprouting

• Homologous area adaptation

With reference to homologous area adaptation, which statement is false?

• It involves "symmetrical" areas of the brain

• It involves "picking up" the function of the opposing side

• It involves opposing sides of the brain

• It occurs after a hemispherectomy if successful

Teuber (1975) found that recovery from brain damage in soldiers was more likely in those under 20yrs , 60% showed significant improvement in movement & visual problems.

What % recovery was shown in those over 26 years?

• 20%

• 10%

• 50%

• 90%

Recovery was better in which group?

• Those who left school at 16

• Those who had <12 years in education

• Those who has >16 years in education

• Those who completed university