neuroplasticity

Introduction
Types of cortical neuroplasticity
- Homologous area adaptation
- Compensatory masquerade
- Cross-modal reassignment
- Map expansion
Brain-computer interface

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Hear neuroscientist Richard Haier speak about plasticity and debunk the Mozart effect, the claim that IQ can be increased by listening to a Mozart sonata

Labeled diagram of the human brain from a side view, highlighting regions for motor, sensory, auditory, visual, and speech functions, including Broca's and Wernicke's areas.

Uncover the advancement in the brain-computer interface technologies and their contribution to improving human life

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neuroplasticity summary

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External Websites

ROTEL Project - Biological Psychology - Neuroplasticity
WebMD - Neuroplasticity: What It Is and How It Works
CalState-Pressbooks Network - Neuromechanics of Human Movement: For Learners by Learners - Neuroplasticity
Simply Psychology - Brain Plasticity (Neuroplasticity): How Experience Changes The Brain
Harvard Health Publishing - Tips to leverage neuroplasticity to maintain cognitive fitness as you age
National Center for Biotechnology Information - PubMed Central - Exploring the Role of Neuroplasticity in Development, Aging, and Neurodegeneration
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - What is Neuroplasticity?
Cleveland Clinic - Brainwork: The Power of Neuroplasticity
Psychology Today - Neuroplasticity
Verywell Mind - What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuron The fundamental cell of the nervous system is the neuron. Neurons in a human brain are shown here.

neuroplasticity

biology

Also known as: neural plasticity

Written by

Michael Rugnetta

Fellows assistant, Center for American Progress, Washington, D.C.

Michael Rugnetta

Fact-checked by

Britannica Editors

Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree....

Britannica Editors

Last updated

Oct. 19, 2026 •History

neuroplasticity, capacity of neurons and neural networks in the brain to change their connections and behaviour in response to new information, sensory stimulation, development, damage, or dysfunction. Although some neural functions appear to be hard-wired in specific, localized regions of the brain, certain neural networks exhibit modularity and carry out specific functions while also retaining the capacity to deviate from their usual functions and to reorganize themselves. Hence, neuroplasticity is considered generally to be a...

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