Final answer:
Neurogenesis is the process of forming new neurons within the brain, a phenomenon which continues into adulthood and can be influenced by factors like exercise, antidepressants, and stress. It is significant for learning, memory, and potential treatments for neurological conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process of forming new neurons within the brain is called neurogenesis. This phenomenon was once thought to be impossible in adults, as it was believed that individuals were born with a set number of neurons that would only decline over time. However, research over recent decades has highlighted that neurogenesis does occur, even in the adult brain, though it is relatively limited. The discovery of neurogenesis first came from studies with songbirds and was subsequently observed in mammals. An interesting finding is that certain activities, such as exercise, and some antidepressants, can promote neurogenesis in the brain's hippocampus, a structure essential for learning and memory. On the contrary, stress can inhibit this process. These insights into neurogenesis are vital because they open up potential therapeutic avenues for treating various neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, and epilepsy.