The concept of neuroplasticity has revolutionized our understanding of the human brain. Historically, scientists believed that the adult brain was structurally fixed, with neural circuits becoming immutable after a critical period in childhood. However, research over the past two decades has demonstrated that the brain retains a remarkable capacity for reorganization throughout life. This plasticity is evident in various contexts, such as learning new skills, recovering from injury, and adapting to sensory deprivation. For instance, studies on individuals who are blind have shown that the visual cortex can be recruited for processing touch or auditory information, a phenomenon known as cross-modal reorganization. Moreover, neuroplastic changes are not limited to cortical areas but also occur in subcortical structures, including the hippocampus, which is vital for memory formation. These findings have profound implications for rehabilitation and education, suggesting that targeted training can harness the brain's adaptive potential. Nevertheless, the extent of plasticity varies with age, with younger brains generally exhibiting greater malleability, and it is constrained by genetic and environmental factors.
❓ 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、子供時代以降は変化することができない。
B. B) 神経可塑性は視覚野でのみ発生し、他の脳領域では発生しない。
C. C) 脳は学習、損傷、または感覚の変化に応じて自らを再編成することができる。
D. D) 神経可塑性は全年齢で同等に強く、遺伝子の影響を受けない。
✅ 正确答案
C) The brain can reorganize itself in response to learning, injury, or sensory changes.
IELTS Reading Tips
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