"Plasticity" means that:
A) axons, like soft plastic, are flexible and can bend around obstacles to make synaptic connections.
B) neurons have a myelin sheath, similar to a plastic shell, that surrounds them.
C) people can compensate for brain damage by learning new ways to do things.
D) synaptic connections can change throughout life.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Plasticity refers to the ability of the brain to change and adapt throughout life, including the ability of synaptic connections to strengthen or weaken. Option A and B are incorrect because they describe physical characteristics of axons and neurons, but do not capture the idea of plasticity. Option C is somewhat related to plasticity, but it only describes one possible outcome of plasticity (compensation for brain damage), rather than the broader concept of neural adaptability.

"Plasticity" Means That