Waller degeneration and regeneration

Degeneration and regeneration of a nerve fiber

The endoneurium surrounds the axons, they are connected into fascicles, each fascicle is bordered by a perineurium, the nerve itself composed of fascicles is surrounded by an epineurium.

  • Waller's degeneration: after the axon is severed, there is detachment from the cell body and degeneration of its distal stump.
  • Waller regeneration: the cell body reacts to the separation of the axon by producing structural proteins, the new axon grows at a rate of approx. 1 mm/day and tries to connect with the original effectors or receptors. Then there is the formation of myelin sheaths and functional regeneration.
  • If the severed nerve is not connected, a amputation neuroma is formed on the proximal stump, which is very sensitive to touch and percussion (Tinel's sign, for example, it is also in carpal tunnel syndrome).

References

  • SAMEŠ, M. Neurochirurgie. 1. edition. Jessenius Maxdorf, 2005. ISBN 80-7345-072-0.