The concept of neuroplasticity, once a revolutionary idea in neuroscience, has now become a cornerstone of modern cognitive research. Historically, the adult brain was considered a fixed and immutable organ, with its structure believed to be largely determined by early development. However, groundbreaking studies over the past few decades have demonstrated that the brain retains a remarkable capacity for reorganization throughout life. This adaptability occurs not only in response to learning and experience but also as a mechanism for compensating for injury or disease. For instance, when one sensory modality is lost, such as vision, the corresponding cortical areas may be recruited to process input from other senses, enhancing their acuity. This phenomenon underscores the dynamic interplay between neural circuitry and environmental stimuli. Nevertheless, the extent of plasticity is not uniform across all brain regions or life stages; it diminishes with age and varies according to the complexity of the cognitive functions involved. Such findings have profound implications for rehabilitation strategies, suggesting that targeted training can harness this innate flexibility to promote recovery after neurological damage.
❓ 本文によると、神経可塑性について正しい記述は次のうちどれか。
A. A) 成人の脳は完全に固定されており、初期の発達後は変化することができない。
B. B) 神経可塑性は、脳のすべての領域およびすべての年齢において同様に強い。
C. C) 脳は経験や損傷に応じて自らを再組織化することができるが、その可塑性は年齢や領域によって制限される。
D. D) 視力の喪失は、神経可塑性により常に聴覚の向上につながる。
✅ 正确答案
C) The brain can reorganize itself in response to experience and injury, but its plasticity is limited by age and region.
IELTS Reading Tips
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