Brain Plasticity: Properties And Types

“Brain plasticity” is also known as neuroplasticity and is related to the ability of the nervous system to shape itself both functionally and structurally. This happens naturally over time, but also in response to injuries.

In the written sense, plasticity is the ability of a physical object to become physically modified. So if you consider it from the point of view of the brain, it means that the nervous system has the ability to respond to internal and external stimuli by rearranging its structure, connections, and functions.

Plasticity plays a key role in the development of the cerebral nerves and the proper functioning of the nervous system.  It also responds to a changing environment, aging, and all diseases. It helps neurons take on new features, but also makes sure you always have enough nerve connections.

The brain is a “plastic” structure. This has been demonstrated by several scientific studies. We also know that brain plasticity occurs in several areas of the nervous system. Plasticity is present in nerve tissue, neurons, glial cells, synapses, and so on.

How does the neural network work?

Brain plasticity usually occurs in response to physiological needs,  changes in nerve activity, or damage to nerve tissue.

Plasticity also contributes to the formation of a neural network as you get older, learn new motor skills, or other things you go through during your life. Plasticity plays an important role in many biological processes, such as:

• In neurogenetics
• In cell migration
• In changes in the sensitivity of the nervous system
• In creating new connections
• Editing existing connections

Structural and functional brain plasticity

The efficiency and plasticity of neuronal transition depend on adaptive changes in presynaptic, extracellular, or postsynaptic molecules. This means that plasticity can occur without the need to change the number, location, arrangement, density, or region of synapses.

The long-term intensification of the early stage as well as the change from geometric changes of dendrites to electrical properties are clear examples of such plasticity. Changes in the connecting circuit include the formation, deletion, or expansion of synapses.

Hebbine and homeostatic brain plasticity

The plasticity and structural plasticity of interneuronal transition efficiency can also be classified as hebbic and homeostatic brain plasticity.

In hebbic plasticity, there is a change in synaptic intensity. This can mean either an increase or decrease in strength and can occur seconds or minutes after the stimulus.

Long-term intensification of the early stage is a typical example of hebbic plasticity. It begins when a stimulus is activated in its corresponding presynaptic and postsynaptic impulses, which in turn enhances synaptic efficiency. It also helps increase empowerment. In other words, hebbic plasticity thus creates a positive feedback loop.

Homeostatic processes, in turn, are much slower. They can take hours or days. They can also modulate ion channel density, neurotransmitter release, or sensitivity of postsynaptic receptors.

Unlike hebbic plasticity, homeostatic plasticity creates a negative feedback loop. The homeostatic form reduces contact in response to high nerve activity. It then reconnects when that activity has already been lost.

Hebbine and homeostatic plasticity: two different roles

It is said that hebbic and homeostatic plasticity play different roles in neural network function. Hebbine plasticity plays a significant role in the changes that take place during life, in our ability to preserve memories, and in the endurance of memory.

Homeoplasticity, in turn, is involved in organizing the neural network itself. It does so to keep the network stable. Such plasticity also utilizes synaptic mechanisms such as regulation of nervous sensitivity, synapse modification, stabilization of synaptic intensity, and dendritic branching.

Plasticity can occur when the nervous system develops.  It is a major feature that causes the brain to modify its own structures and functions in response to changes in nerve activity. It also helps to acquire new abilities as a basis for learning, memory, or re-learning something after an injury.

In summary, it is a process that allows the brain to remain flexible. Flexibility means a better ability to adapt to the environment and thus also to survive.