Neural Plasticity

This chapter deconstructs plasticity into two types: developmental and adult. It points out that plastic processes that operate during the time of brain development versus the post-developmental period. The chapter discusses whether the plastic processes that operate during development are the same or different as those that operate during adulthood. The chapter begins with a discussion on developmental plasticity and adult plasticity. It draws on a range of species, although it mainly focuses on rodents, monkeys, and humans. The developing brain is very plastic. Although clearly true, it is important to stress that the degree of plasticity varies by domain, by timing, and very likely, by the individual. When examining such studies, it is readily apparent that there is variability between and among individuals. The nature of such individual differences will likely serve as an opportunity to refine our views of plasticity in the coming years.