Question

Joseph has an accident that leaves him with minor brain trauma resulting in temporary memory loss. His doctor tells him that other parts of his brain, adjacent to the site of the injury, may assume some of the lost functions and he may regain his memory. Joseph's doctor is explaining a phenomenon known as ________.

A) Neuroplasticity
B) Phrenology
C) Somatotyping
D) Eugenics

Answer 1

Joseph's doctor is referring to the term 'neuroplasticity', which describes the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections after events such as injury, allowing for recovery of lost functions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Jospeh's doctor is explaining a phenomenon known as neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. This adaptability of the nervous system allows the brain to compensate for injury and adjust to new situations or changes in the environment.

After injury, such as minor brain trauma, neuroplasticity can lead to the reassignment of specific functions, like memory, to adjacent areas of the brain that were not originally responsible for those functions. This process can involve the creation of new synapses, changes in the strength of existing synapses, alteration in glial cells, and even neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons.