When Michael was a toddler,he lost his ring finger on his left hand in an accident.Now,as an adult,the somatosensory area originally associated with that finger:
A)is associated with the ring finger on his right hand.
B)responds to stimulation from his left middle and pinkie fingers.
C)is withered due to nonuse.
D)causes Michael to relive the painful accident when it is stimulated.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The somatosensory cortex is highly adaptable, and when a body part is no longer present, the brain area originally dedicated to that part can be reassigned to process sensory information from neighboring areas. In Michael's case, the area that would have processed sensations from his missing ring finger can adapt to increase sensitivity and representation of the adjacent fingers, his left middle and pinkie fingers.

When Michael Was a Toddler,he Lost His Ring Finger on His