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.Which action 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

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.Which action 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

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Synaptic reorganization refers to the rewiring of neural connections in response to changes in input or injury. In this case, the cortical cell's connections have been rewired to respond to sensory input from nearby fingers after the middle finger was amputated. This type of adaptation is a well-documented phenomenon in the brain. Growth of completely new axons is unlikely to occur as it would require the development of entirely new neural pathways, which is not a common occurrence in adulthood. Alterations to blood vessel patterns in the brain would not affect the function of individual cortical cells. The response is not indicative of a psychotic reaction.

A Cortical Cell Originally Responded to Stimulation of the Middle