Question

1. page 432, question 5 in the textbook. why is it possible for someone to perceive a sensation (often pain or muscle cramps) despite missing the associated sense receptors in an amputated limb?

Explanation:

The brain has pre - mapped representations of the body. Even after limb amputation, the neural pathways and the brain's body - image map can still be activated, leading to phantom sensations. Nerve endings at the amputation site can also send abnormal signals that the brain interprets as sensations from the missing limb.

Answer:

The brain has pre - existing body - image maps and abnormal nerve signals at the amputation site can be misinterpreted as sensations from the missing limb.