Nerve Degeneration
| Definition: |
Loss of functional activity and trophic degeneration of nerve axons and their terminal arborizations following the destruction of their cells of origin or interruption of their continuity with these cells. The pathology is characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases. Often the process of nerve degeneration is studied in research on neuroanatomical localization and correlation of the neurophysiology of neural pathways. |
| Notes: |
IM as a pathol process; coord with specific neurol dis /pathol (IM) or specific nerve /pathol (IM or NIM) if pertinent |
Nerve Degeneration Categories.
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Retrograde Degeneration - Pathologic changes that occur in the axon and cell body of a neuron proximal to an axonal lesion. The process is characterized by central chromatolysis which features flattening and displacement of the nucleus, loss of Nissl bodies, and cellular edema. Central chromatolysis primarily occurs in lower motor neurons. |
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Wallerian Degeneration - Degeneration of distal aspects of a nerve axon following injury to the cell body or proximal portion of the axon. The process is characterized by fragmentation of the axon and its MYELIN SHEATH. |
Nerve Degeneration Definitions and Terms
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