Final answer:
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to form new neural connections throughout life, while neurogenesis is the birth of new neurons in the adult brain. Both processes contribute to the brain's reorganization and adaptation. Additionally, synaptic plasticity allows for changes in the strength and creation of synapses, further enhancing the brain's ability to learn and form memories.
Step-by-step explanation:
The brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life is called neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity allows the nervous system to change and adapt in response to personal experiences, developmental processes, or damage/injury. It can involve the creation of new synapses, pruning of unused synapses, changes in glial cells, and even the birth of new neurons. Neuroplasticity is a remarkable characteristic of our brains, allowing them to constantly change and adapt.
Another related term is neurogenesis, which refers to the birth of new neurons in the adult brain. Research has shown that neurogenesis continues into adulthood, particularly in the hippocampus (a key brain structure involved in learning and memory). Although most of the new neurons will die, an increase in the number of surviving new neurons in the hippocampus has been correlated with improved learning abilities. Neurogenesis can be promoted by exercise and some antidepressant medications, while stress has the opposite effect.
In addition to neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, synaptic plasticity also plays a role in the brain's ability to reorganize itself. Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses (connections between neurons) to be strengthened or weakened, broken, or created. Long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) are two important forms of synaptic plasticity that occur in the hippocampus and are involved in learning and memory.