How Does Neuroplasticity Enable Learning And Memory?
Neuroplasticity is the term used to describe the brain’s ability to change and adapt in response to experience. It is through neuroplasticity that we are able to learn and remember new information.
The brain is made up of billions of neurons, which are interconnected through synapses. When we learn something new, it is the result of synaptic changes that allow neurons to better communicate with one another. These changes can be either short-term or long-term.
Short-term changes, known as synaptic plasticity, underlie our ability to store new information in working memory. Long-term changes, on the other hand, enable us to store information in long-term memory.
One way in which the brain store information in long-term memory is by making changes to the structure of neurons themselves. This process, known as neuronal plasticity, is responsible for things like forming new connections between neurons (known as neural pathways) and increasing the size of existing synapses.
Neuroplasticity is a key aspect of learning and memory. By understanding how it works, we can find ways to improve both our short-term and long-term memory.