You’re Perfect, Now Change — Redefining the Role of Developmental Plasticity

The receptive field properties of neurons in the developing brain can in many cases be remarkably similar to those of adult neurons. This raises the question of why these same neurons need the capacity for such impressive developmental plasticity, most clearly demonstrated by the rewiring that occurs in response to sensory deprivation. The roles of developmental neuronal plasticity in the assimilation of neurons into a larger network, including temporal and cross-modal integration, are discussed.