Plasticity is something very interesting that we have read in the book and will learn with Mrs. Perl next week. Plasticity is the brains capacity for modification. Meaning, after damages, the brain can reorganize itself. Neurons that are cut off will not regenerate, but neural tissue can reorganize after damage.
So, when a body part is amputated, the sensory fibers adjacent to the sensory cortex can invade the brain tissue that isn't receiving sensory input anymore. The hand's sensory cortex region is between the face and the arm's. So when someone has had their hand removed, if you stroke their face, the person will say that feel it in his/her fingers too. This shows us that the brain can reprogram itself after time, and is not set in stone. When one area is damaged, the other areas in the brain can reorganize themselves and take over its functions.
Questions:
Why do you think this is important?
Is this true in all cases (if you cut of your ear will your body take over its functions)?
Research the phantom ghost syndrome- why do people think that they still feel their amputated body parts once they are gone? Is it painful?
Hello my dearest Zed! as always your most is filled with intellectual insight.I just wanted to share that upon reading this passage in the book i was imply amazed at the fact that our body has the capability to reorganize itself after numerous damages. It is so difficult to fathom how our body is able to do that.I think its very important for our body to do this so that the body can keep on living after damage occurs. I know of another case in which this occurs. When a person loses his sight, his other senses, such as hearing and smelling, will heighten in order to make up for the lack of a sense in the person. This is also a huge miracle that occurs in the body.Of course i researched the phantom ghost syndrome. I learned that the missing limb often feels shorter and may feel as if it is in a distorted and painful position. Occasionally, the pain can be made worse by stress, anxiety, and weather changes. Phantom limb pain is usually intermittent. The frequency and intensity of attacks usually decline with time.Patients will sometimes feel as if they are gesturing, feel itches, twitch, or even try to pick things up.
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