Localizationism to neuroplasticity---the evolution of metaphysical neuroscience

• Published in: Journal of the Association of Physicians of India Vol. 60; pp. 38 - 46
• Main Authors: Acharya, Sourya, Shukla, Samarth, Mahajan, S N, Diwan, S K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India 01.09.2012
• Subjects: Brain - physiology; Brain - physiopathology; Humans; Metaphysics; Neuronal Plasticity; Neurosciences
• ISSN: 0004-5772

Neuroplasticity (also referred to as brain plasticity, cortical plasticity or cortical re-mapping) is the changing of neurons, organization of their networks, and their function via new experiences. The brain consists of nerve cells or neurons and glial cells which are interconnected, and learning may happen through changing of the strength of the connections between neurons, by adding or removing connections, or by adding new cells. "Plasticity" relates to learning by adding or removing connections, or adding cells. Contrary to the traditional belief of neurolocalizationism, which states that each region of brain is dedicated for a particular type of activity, neuroplasticity has struggled a long way and has created a safe niche in the neuroscientific hall of honor. Salute to the neuroplasticians for their efforts to revolutionize the doctrine of neurology for the better understanding of the remarkable powers of brain. This article is a brief attempt to fathom the mysterious and scientific ways of neuroplasticity.