functional plasticity

the ability of the brain to adapt to loss of or damage to tissue by transferring all or part of the functions previously performed by those injured areas to other regions. The degree to which the brain is able to do this successfully has been called functional reserve and is thought to depend on several factors, including age and the health status of the brain.

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Psychology term of the day

November 18th 2024

hypoglossal nerve

the 12th cranial nerve, a motor nerve that originates in a nucleus on the floor of the fourth ventricle within the brain and innervates the muscles of the tongue, lower jaw, and areas of the neck and chest. Also called cranial nerve XII.