Final answer:
The degeneration process within the proximal segment of the cut axon is called Wallerian degeneration. It involves the breakdown of the axon segment that is no longer connected to the neuron's cell body.
Step-by-step explanation:
The degeneration process within the proximal segment of the cut axon is called Wallerian degeneration. This process involves the breakdown of the axonal segment that is separated from the neuron's cell body as a result of injury or trauma. During Wallerian degeneration, the axon distal to the injury degenerates, allowing the neuron to potentially repair itself and regenerate. This is different from events like neurogenesis, which is the formation of new neurons, or axonal sprouting, where existing neurons grow new axonal connections. Synaptic plasticity refers to the ability of synapses to strengthen or weaken over time, in response to increases or decreases in their activity.