001 GROW YOUR BRAIN! - THE PLASTICITY OF THE BRAIN

You can literally increase your brain’s efficiency - did you know that? 

- As long as you live, your brain changes - 

An astounding function called neuroplasticity gives the brain the adaptive ability to densify its neuronal net.

Cell communication

More precisely: each time a cognitive process like learning or an intense experience is performed, new pathways are built and new connections are created. The contact parts of a neuron are called synapses, they fire electric and chemical signals. That means in other words, each time you learn something new, the neurons in your brain create new synaptic connections.

What fires together, wires together,

wrote Donald O. Hebb after he discovered the synaptic plasticity.  

(Source: iStock) This picture shows synapses firing electrochemical signals

Evolution

The evolutionary purpose of the brain plasticity lies in the ability to react to environmental changes. So, the growth of the neuronal net is induced when the new behaviour and knowledge is beneficial for the immediate environment.

Learning 

The more you practise something, the more efficient the communication between the neurons through the synaptic points works in relevant parts of the brain. This process improves the cognition because the electric and chemical signals between the neurons are transmitted much faster. 

Let’s summarize the most important fact: the plasticity of the brain means that the brain is capable to change its biological features. 

The brain is in fact a flexible organ. Neuronal and synaptic plasticity provide the basis for all learning processes. You can profit from your brain’s function and grow the density of your neuronal cells by continuously accumulating knowledge. Which increases again your capacity to take up new stuff much easier. 

In another post I will write about techniques to improve the learning process. 

Source: Hebb, Donald O. The Organization of Behavior: A Neuropsychological Theory. 2002 (New Edition).

Tell me more about your learning experiences! 

(Source: iStock)