Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and change its structure and function in response to learning, experience, or injury. It allows for the formation of new neural connections and the modification of existing ones.
Related terms
Synaptic pruning: This is the process by which the brain eliminates unnecessary or unused synaptic connections between neurons.
Hebbian plasticity: Also known as "cells that fire together wire together," this principle states that synapses become stronger when repeatedly activated at the same time.
Brain reorganization: The phenomenon where different areas of the brain take over functions from damaged regions through neuroplasticity.