What is the Origin of Neural Plasticity?

The term combines "neural," referring to the nervous system, and "plasticity," derived from the Greek plastikos, meaning "to mold" or "to form." It was first used in the field of neuroscience to describe the brain's ability to change, a concept that fundamentally overturned the previous belief that the adult brain was a static structure.

What is the Mechanism of Neural Plasticity?

Plasticity operates at various levels, from molecular changes in neurotransmitter release to structural changes involving the growth of new dendrites and axons, a process called neurogenesis. Hormones, particularly estrogen and testosterone, interact with neuronal receptors to regulate the synthesis of neurotrophic factors, such as BDNF (Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor), which promote the survival and differentiation of new neurons and synapses. Optimizing this hormonal milieu is essential for lifelong cognitive resilience.

Neural Plasticity

Meaning

Neural plasticity, also known as neuroplasticity, is the remarkable capacity of the nervous system to reorganize itself by forming new synaptic connections and altering existing ones in response to experience, learning, or injury. This dynamic process is the biological basis for cognitive adaptation, memory formation, and recovery of function after neurological damage. Hormonal balance is a critical determinant of this process, with key sex steroids and neurotrophins modulating the brain’s structural and functional adaptability.