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What is the reason why removal of the supplementary motor cortex results in quick recovery and minor long-lasting damage?

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Final answer:

Quick recovery with minor long-lasting damage after supplementary motor cortex removal is due to the brain's neural plasticity, with the primary motor cortex and other regions adapting to compensate for the loss. Severe frontal lobe damage can have greater impacts due to its role in higher cognitive processes.

Step-by-step explanation:

The supplementary motor cortex is involved in the planning and coordination of movements, particularly those that are complex or not well-learned. When it's removed, other areas of the brain can compensate, taking over the functions of the supplementary motor cortex. This adaptability is known as neural plasticity, a characteristic of the brain that allows it to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections. Recovery after the removal of the supplementary motor cortex is typically quick because the primary motor cortex and other brain regions swiftly adapt to manage motor functions, resulting in only minor long-lasting damage. In contrast, severe damage to the frontal lobe can lead to significant changes in personality and behavior, as this region is crucial for executive functions such as decision-making, problem-solving, and regulating behavior. The frontal lobe contains the primary motor cortex, but also areas responsible for higher cognitive processes, which are not as easily compensated for by other brain regions when damaged.

User NorthernIsle
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Final answer:

The removal of the supplementary motor cortex can result in quick recovery and minor long-lasting damage due to the brain's neuroplasticity and compensatory mechanisms. Other areas of the brain can take over its functions, but there may still be some subtle impairments.

Step-by-step explanation:

When the supplementary motor cortex is removed, it can lead to quick recovery and minor long-lasting damage because of the brain's ability to reorganize and compensate for the loss. The brain has the capacity for neuroplasticity, which allows it to rewire and adapt to changes in structure or function. In the case of the supplementary motor cortex, other areas of the brain can take over its functions and compensate for the loss, resulting in a relatively quick recovery. However, there may still be some minor long-lasting damage because the substitute areas may not perform the exact same functions as the supplementary motor cortex, leading to subtle impairments.

User Mike Donkers
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