OCR General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Biology Practice Exam

Which statement about neurons after a stroke is correct?

1. Neurons can regenerate and repair immediately

2. Damaged neurons bypassed allow new pathways to form

3. All neurons in the brain are destroyed

4. Neurons become inactive but do not affect function

The correct answer is: Damaged neurons bypassed allow new pathways to form

The statement about neurons after a stroke that is accurate highlights the brain's ability to adapt and reorganize its neural pathways. After a stroke, which typically results from the interruption of blood supply to the brain, some neurons may become damaged or inactive. However, the brain has a remarkable capacity for plasticity, meaning that the healthy neurons surrounding the damaged area can form new connections and pathways. This process allows other parts of the brain to potentially take over the functions of the affected areas, thereby enabling some recovery of bodily functions. In contrast, the other statements do not accurately reflect the situation following a stroke. Neurons do not regenerate and repair immediately; recovery is a gradual process that often requires rehabilitation and takes time. While not all neurons in the brain are destroyed during a stroke, the damaged neurons can impact overall brain function, contradicting the idea that all neurons are unaffected. Lastly, while some neurons may become inactive after a stroke, suggesting that they do not directly contribute to function does not account for the overarching impacts on overall brain health and capability, which can still be influenced by those inactive neurons.