asked 112k views
1 vote
When a person frequently practices a movement, the area of the motor cortex devoted to that movement will:

A) Decrease in size
B) Remain unchanged
C) Increase in size
D) Disconnect from the spinal cord

asked
User JoshMc
by
8.6k points

1 Answer

4 votes

Final answer:

The area of the motor cortex devoted to a frequently practiced movement will increase in size due to neuroplasticity, with regions responsible for fine movements having more cortical representation. The correct option is C) Increase in size

Step-by-step explanation:

When a person frequently practices a movement, the area of the motor cortex devoted to that movement will increase in size. This phenomenon can be explained by the concept of neuroplasticity, which is the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections.

The primary motor cortex, located in the precentral gyrus of the frontal lobe, controls voluntary movements and is organized topographically in a motor homunculus that represents the body's muscle groups.

Regions with finer muscle control, like those of the fingers and face, are allotted more cortical space, indicating that precision movements can lead to an increase in cortical representation when practiced frequently. The correct option is C) Increase in size

answered
User Lee Kang
by
7.9k points
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