what is meant by plasticity? give an example.
Plasticity refers to the process of making long-term changes in the brain. Often these changes occur as a result of learning. During development (the period of intense growth and change from conception through early childhood), neurons can change shape, location, function, and patterns interconnection. In the adult brain, neurons are less able to change location and function, but plasticity still occurs. For example, intensive practice of a motor skill involving fine finger movements (e.g. playing the guitar) may result in an increase in the number of neurons that are devoted to motor control of the fingers.