Exam 2: Plasticity & Merging Systems

Question 1

Homunculus

Answer 1

Primary somatosensory cortex (S1)
Predetermined at birth, but can change throughout lifetime based on use.
Changes in S1 are present and individuals with chronic pain compared to those without

Question 2

Gray matter is decreased in chronic pain states

Answer 2

Research shows this can be restored with treatment aimed at altering information to the brain which results in cortical reorganization.
Can result in a positive effect on pain, catastrophization, and disability

Question 3

shape, and size of body maps change in chronic pain states

Answer 3

Correlates to increased pain and disability.
Disuse can result in a smaller representation of the body part on S1

Question 4

individuals with chronic pain have difficulty identifying

Answer 4

Right and left body parts (discrimination)

Question 5

homunculus changes

Answer 5

Use it or lose it

Question 6

Neuroplastic consequences of disuse

Answer 6

-cortical smudging
-difficult L–R discrimination
-size changes

Question 7

cortical smudging

Answer 7

Difficulty clearly identifying the body part.
2 point discrimination can provide clues to the health of the maps.

Question 8

Size changes

Answer 8

Cortical maps can expand or contract.
Changes the perceived size of the body part which influences the pain experience.