Neurogenesis in the adult brain
OA Version
Citation
Abstract
Humans are unique compared to other mamals because of their highly developed brains and the trememdous plasticity these brains afford. Plasticity is advantageous as it allows us to adapt to challenges in our environment by reworking synaptic connections. Neurogenesis, the generation of new neurons, is largely completed at the end of development. This is followed by “pruning” of synapeses as the young brain destroys unnecessary connections from an overload of neurons to form the adult brain. Studies over the last two decades have confirmed that neurogenesis continues in the adult brain but mainly in two areas: the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal formation of the temporal lobe and the subventricalular zone (SVZ) and adjacent olfactory stystem. Most interestingly, evidence suggests that these adult generated neurons may be critical to continued neuroplasticity of the adult brain.