A cortical cell originally responded to stimulation of the middle finger. After amputation of that finger it begins responding to the second and fourth fingers. What most likely accounts for this?
A) Synaptic reorganization
B) Growth of completely new axons
C) Altered pattern of blood vessels in the brain
D) A psychotic reaction

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

This phenomenon is known as cortical reorganization and is believed to occur due to synaptic reorganization, where the neurons that previously responded to the stimulation of the middle finger start responding to the stimulation of adjacent fingers (in this case, the second and fourth fingers). This is thought to be a result of the brain adapting to changes in sensory input.

A Cortical Cell Originally Responded to Stimulation of the Middle