Question 1: Define brain plasticity in your own words.

Answer: Brain plasticity is the brain's ability to change and adapt its structure and function in response to experience, learning, or injury.

Question 2: Explain two ways in which brain plasticity can be beneficial.

Answer: Brain plasticity can help individuals recover from brain injuries by forming new neural connections and can enhance learning and memory through the strengthening of existing pathways.

Question 3: Describe a scenario where brain plasticity might be observed in a person learning a new skill.

Answer: A person learning to play a musical instrument may develop new neural connections in the motor and auditory areas of the brain, demonstrating plasticity through improved coordination and sound processing over time.

Question 4: Identify and explain one factor that can enhance brain plasticity.

Answer: Engaging in regular mental stimulation, such as learning new skills or solving puzzles, can enhance brain plasticity by promoting the formation of new neural connections.

Question 5: Describe what happens in the brain during recovery from injury due to plasticity.

Answer: Remaining healthy neurons may form new connections to compensate for damaged areas, and other parts of the brain may take over functions previously managed by injured regions.

Question 6: Sketch a simple diagram that illustrates the concept of brain plasticity and neural pathways adapting over time. Label the key features.

Answer: A correct sketch should show a simplified brain outline with neural pathways depicted as lines that branch and strengthen over time, with some pathways rerouting around damaged areas. Labels should include 'neural pathways,' 'strengthening of connections,' and 'adaptation.'

Question 7: Discuss one limitation or challenge associated with brain plasticity.

Answer: One limitation is that brain plasticity decreases with age, making it harder for older individuals to recover from brain injuries or learn new skills compared to younger people.

Question 8: Explain how brain plasticity is involved in language recovery after a stroke.

Answer: After a stroke affecting language areas, other parts of the brain can reorganize and form new connections, allowing language functions to be relearned or compensated for, demonstrating plasticity.