How Brain Changes as We Learn

Neuroplasticity is the capacity of the Nervous System to modify its structural organization and function in response to the experience and to several external and internal factors; structural modifications occur at the cellular and molecular level, creating new synaptic connections that modifies the neurotransmitter release, receptors, intracellular messengers, and signal transduction mechanisms. There is neural plasticity during development of the Nervous System, associated with the learning and memory processes, during aging, through the rehabilitation process after injury, on neurodegenerative diseases and even on neuropsychiatric disorders. The purpose of this study is to review the molecular basis of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and the factors that affects the neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the adult mammalian hippocampus contributing to understand and to improve the fundamental concepts of Cognitive Neuroscience.