Motor skills – Muscles and Brain in Action
Even when we are sitting quietly at the computer, our bodies are constantly in motion. Our eyes glide across the screen, our hands type, our feet tap. The body is made for movement, and this is also evident in the brain: a multitude of structures inhibit and stimulate each other to ensure fluid movement – something we rarely have to think about consciously.
In this focus topic, our authors explore questions such as how movements are planned in the brain and what exactly happens during their execution. With almost 650 muscles in the body, this is predictably complex, involving a constant ping-pong between a multitude of brain structures.
You can also interactively learn about the consequences of the failure of certain motor areas of the brain on movement. And you will learn what neural Plasticity is all about – while juggling. Participation is expressly encouraged!
But perhaps you would like to start with the overview ▸ The active Human Being
Plasticity
Neuroplasticity
The term neuroplasticity describes the ability of synapses, nerve cells, and entire areas of the brain to change structurally and functionally depending on the degree to which they are used. Synaptic plasticity refers to the adaptation of the signal transmission strength of synapses to the frequency and intensity of incoming stimuli, for example in the form of long-term potentiation or depression. In addition, the size, interconnection, and activity patterns of different areas of the brain also change depending on their use. This phenomenon is referred to as cortical plasticity when it specifically affects the cortex.
