Question

Explain how an injured neuron may regenerate (p. 370).

A) Neurons cannot regenerate after injury due to their complex structure and limited regenerative capacity.
B) Regeneration of neurons occurs through a process of cell division in which new neurons are formed to replace damaged ones.
C) Neuronal regeneration involves the extension of damaged axons and the activation of glial cells to provide structural support.
D) Injured neurons can regenerate by reestablishing their original structure and function through rapid cell division and differentiation.

Answer 1

C) Neuronal regeneration in humans is limited, primarily involving the extension of damaged axons and support from glial cells. Direct formation of new neurons from cell division is restricted, but ongoing research seeks ways to enhance neurogenesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The ability of an injured neuron to regenerate is limited in the human body, and neurogenesis, the formation of new neurons, occurs only to a limited extent from undifferentiated neural stem cells found in the brain. For an injured neuron, regeneration involves the extension of damaged axons and the support of glial cells, such as astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. These glial cells can provide structural support by regulating the chemical environment of the neuron and insulating axons to enhance the efficiency of electrical nerve impulse transfer. Although new neuron formation is limited in adults and does not happen through cell division to produce new daughter neurons, researchers are looking into methods to increase neurogenesis in cases of neural damage.