Jake received a severe brain injury in a motorcycle accident and was partially paralyzed on the left side of his body. After several months of intensive physical therapy, during which undamaged brain areas slowly began to assume responsibility for his lost functions, he gradually regained the use of his left leg and arm. This example best illustrates the principle of:
A) structural plasticity.
B) cortical localization.
C) functional plasticity.
D) neurogenesis.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The principle of functional plasticity refers to the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize itself by transferring functions from damaged to undamaged brain areas. This is demonstrated in the example of Jake, as undamaged brain areas gradually assumed responsibility for his lost functions through physical therapy. Structural plasticity refers to changes in the physical structure of the brain, such as the growth of new neural connections, while cortical localization refers to the specific areas of the brain that are responsible for specific functions. Neurogenesis refers to the growth of new neurons in the brain. None of these principles fully capture the process described in the example of Jake's recovery.

Jake Received a Severe Brain Injury in a Motorcycle Accident