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Asked by roariee to Cathal, Ciara, Emma, Michael, Sive on 14 Nov 2013.
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Michael Nolan answered on 14 Nov 2013:
Hi Roariee,
He is dead lucky to be born with the natural talent of a great footballer.
But along with that is also his dedication, a willingness to train and to learn etc.That last bit is important in many areas, including science. Obviously it is easier to be dedicated as a footballer…
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Emma Cahill answered on 14 Nov 2013:
Hey roariee,
One thing we know is that the more something is practiced the easier it is for the brain to access the circuits that usually perform that function. On the outer surface of our brain, called the motor cortex, are the brain regions important for sensation and control our movements and limbs. In fact, stimulation of these cortices (using magnets “transcranial magentic stimulation”) can even make people move without them thinking about it!We say that the brain is plastic, because it can adapt to changes, and if you use a particular limb like your legs for football, the feet and legs will be more represented by the motor cortex than a non-footballer. This is also true for musicians who uses fingers a lot. So I bet Ronaldo’s cortex has a massive portion dedicated to leg and foot control!
On the other hand, and in the worse case, people who loose limbs in car accidents or war have been seen to have big reorganisation of function in the motor cortex. The areas that were before used for the limb that is lost get taken over by the neighbouring regions.
Hope that helps from a brain perspective!
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