Question

Phineas Gage was a foreman on a railroad crew who suffered brain damage in a blasting accident. After the accident, he lost interest in his job and had difficulty maintaining any goal-directed behaviors but was still able to function and lead a relatively normal life. The capacity of his brain area to take over the functions of the damaged brain areas is known as:

Answer 1

Brain Plasticity

Explanation:

The capacity of his brain area to take over the functions of the damaged brain areas is known as: Brain plasticity.

The frontal lobe of the brain is associated with the cognitive skills of man. His ability to think, memorize, recognize and decide depends on the frontal lobe responses. Located on the anterior part of the brain, the frontal lobe is more susceptible to injuries. Any injury to frontal lobe disturbs the normal cognitive behaviour and motor abilities. So, the changes in Phineas Gage's behavior indicates that the frontal lobe of his brain got injured.

But he could still lead a normal life with a bit of difficulties in work and behavior. This suggest that the functions of the frontal lobe has been taken over by some other part of the brain.