True or false?

We create the structure of our neurons via our thoughts....

are you said that we create structures for our neurons to perform?

i think the answer is true.

True, I think, I mean I'm not really sure on this one. What does the research into this show?

False.

The structure of our neurons is created based on our thoughts would be a truer statement. Your statement implies intent.

TZ: are you said that we create structures for our neurons to perform?

E: No. I was wondering if neural networks form based on our thoughts.

E: A big advantage of posting on the form is that it helps with clarification. In this case what I said and what I meant were different.

E: thanks for the help.

Partially true.

I do not know what the research shows and I am not sure how to research the research. My attempts, so far, have been unsuccessful.

I cannot quote a specific study and I do not understand much of what I read on the subject. Apparently, the connections between neurons strengthen or weaken depending on how much the particular neurons are used. No new neurons are formed it is the connections between neurons that change. It is not clear to me how this was determined.

It may be that neural networks are determined by the strength of the connections between the brain cells.

If I try to learn something my thoughts are intentional. My intention is to learn and not to form neural networks. The formation of neural networks is independent of intention. I can see that a network would increase in size but I was wondering if neurons are produced or change in some way when they are used a lot.

Thanks, your help is always appreciated.

Your thoughts are intentional, but the growth of the neurons is not. They're just doing what they do.

I believe they can show changes in neuron growth among people who have had strokes, in that undamaged neurons will alter their connections to "pick up the slack" from the damaged ones.

Dare I ask which part?

I believe I understand.

Can, if you do not mind, suggest an analogy?

Plants following the sun?

I am going to go with Boxer...or at least partially with him....

That is....we "create" the structure of our neurons (subconsciously) via our thoughts AND our 5 senses (actually I think there is only one sense, not 5, but that is a whole other topic).

Every time we do something or experience something our neurons are slightly modified. Of course these neurons were already there...or their "substance" was their waiting to be activated...

It might be as simple as the feeling of a pin prick on the finger that establishes nerve path to the brain were a set of neurons are now triggered and more or less created into a specific structure which "records" the "feeling".

Or it could be a sound, a sight...a response and feeling...say of being insulted...by Chaski, because he can be an insulting a** wipe....

etc.

A network of train tracks connecting cities . If there is a lot of activity between two cities more track is laid between them. If there is no activity between two cities the tracks deteriorate.

I wonder if the cities grow or just the connections between them.

maybe that is asking to much for the analogy...