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Neuroplasticity: Brain Building
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Our brain is made up of lots of
brain cells called ‘neurons’. When we think, do or say
anything, lots of neurons
Neurons are shaped a bit like fire signals at the same time
a tree. They have a trunk to create a‘neural circuit’ or
(called the ‘axon’) and ‘brain circuit’.
branches (called ‘dendrites).
dendrites 5
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Whenever we think, do or say A neural circuit is a bit like
anything, neurons pass axon road system, but instead of
information to each other roads, there are electrical
synaptic gap
through an electrical signal. signals linking neurons in
different parts of our brain.
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The electrical signal is passed 6
down the axon of the neuron. Every time we do the same
The brain cell then releases thing, the brain circuit gets
special chemicals called stronger and faster.
neurotransmitters which help
the signal travel over a gap The stronger the circuit, the
(known as the ‘synaptic gap’) better we get at that task.
to the next neuron.
