What is a potential effect of structural changes in the nervous system?

Structural changes in the nervous system can lead to altered sensory perception due to various factors such as changes in neural connectivity, synaptic strength, or the composition of neural circuits. These changes can result from injury, disease, or even learning and adaptation processes. For instance, when the nervous system undergoes structural remodeling, it can affect how sensory information is processed, leading to alterations in perception. This is often seen in conditions such as neuropathies or after brain injuries, where the affected areas may either enhance or diminish sensory inputs, causing a shift in how stimuli are perceived.

In contrast, the other options don't accurately represent typical outcomes associated with structural changes in the nervous system. Improved reflex responses may not necessarily occur; rather, reflexes can be altered or diminished depending on the nature of the structural change. Increased muscle strength is more related to motor neuron efficiency and muscle health than to structural changes in the nervous system. Decreased neural plasticity would suggest impaired adaptability of the nervous system, which is contrary to the premise that structural changes can also lead to improvements in some neural functions. Thus, altered sensory perception reflects a clear and relevant impact of structural changes in the nervous system.