What term describes the brain's ability to recover from damage by replacing lost functions?

The term that describes the brain's ability to recover from damage by replacing lost functions is plasticity. This concept encapsulates the brain's remarkable capacity to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. When the brain experiences injury, such as from trauma or stroke, areas that were previously dedicated to a specific function can adapt by taking on new roles or compensating for the functions that have been lost. This adaptability is crucial for rehabilitation processes and recovery, allowing individuals to regain abilities that may have been impaired due to damage.

Neurogenesis refers specifically to the process of generating new neurons, which can play a role in recovery but does not encompass the broader concept of functional reorganization. Axonal recovery pertains more to the regeneration of nerve fibers after injury rather than the overall ability of the brain to adapt and reclaim functions. Neural adaptation typically refers to adjustments in response to stimuli rather than structural or functional repair following damage.