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Does neurogenesis happen continuously in discrete parts of the brain?

User Darckeen
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Final answer:

Neurogenesis, the creation of new neurons, occurs in adult humans, particularly in the hippocampus, and is crucial for learning and memory. It is influenced by factors such as exercise and stress, and could lead to treatments for brain disorders.

Step-by-step explanation:

Neurogenesis is the process of forming new neurons, and recent research has shown that it does indeed continue into adulthood, although it's quite limited compared to other types of tissue regeneration. Neurogenesis primarily occurs in discrete parts of the brain, particularly in the hippocampus, a region crucial for learning and memory. About 1,000 new neurons are generated in the hippocampus daily, which can have implications for memory formation and learning. It is evident that this process is impacted by various factors; exercise and some antidepressant medications have been found to promote neurogenesis, whereas stress can inhibit it. Given that most newly formed neurons do not survive, it's believed that the ability to enhance the survival of these neurons could potentially lead to novel treatments for disorders like Alzheimer's, stroke, and epilepsy.

User Carl Woodhouse
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