Neural plasticity can be defined as the ability form new neural connections and reorganize itself during the normal development processes in life or after a brain-damaging injury or disease (Huttenlocher, 2009). The human brain is a resilient organ and can regenerate even after severe damage during one’s lifetime. The brain reorganizes itself with the acquisition of new information or with the loss of functionality of body parts.
Q.2 How can plasticity help us to understand why people regain intellectual functions lost by brain damage?
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A loss to a function of critical body parts is compensated for by the brains reorganization and establishment of new neural connections. The remaining section of the undamaged brain takes over the functions of the lost part and develops such that the most intellectual functions are regained. The nerves from the undamaged section may also reconnect with those from the damaged section, form new neural pathways and carry out the functions compensating for the damage (Liou, 2010).
Q.3 Based on your readings from this module about brain development, why do you think Jodi was so successful at regaining lost cognitive functions after surgery? Why is plasticity variable at different stages of life?
Jodi was successful because of the age at which she developed the problem. The brain plasticity is higher in children than in adults. At 3 years, Jodi’s brain still had the capability to reorganize faster as assume new roles. Plasticity is variable with age because the brain is adapted to carry out different functions at those ages. The plasticity in young people is higher because the brain has not taken in more information and is still flexible as the person learns. At an advanced age, the brain has acquired a lot and the developmental phase is limited, thus limiting the plasticity as well.
Q.4 Phantom Limbs
Phantom limbs can be defined as the feeling that a body part such as a limb, breast, or tooth is still present after its removal. The somatosensory cortex in the brain undergoes reorganization. The reorganization is meant to compensate for the lost functions of the limb. The brain neurons connect anew to cater for the loss thus producing the feeling sometimes.
References;
Huttenlocher, P. R. (2009). Neural Plasticity . Harvard University Press. Print
Liou, S. (2010). Neuroplasticity. Huntington’s Outreach Project for Education. Retrieved June 14, 2017 from https://web.stanford.edu/group/hopes/cgi-bin/hopes_test/neuroplasticity/
