AXON REACTIONS Meaning and
Definition
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Axon reactions, also known as Wallerian degeneration or Wallerian reaction, refer to the series of cellular and molecular changes that occur in neurons following injury or damage to their axons. The term "axon reaction" was first introduced by the neurologist Augustus D. Waller in the 19th century.
When an axon is severed or injured, a sequence of events is triggered in the affected neuron. Initially, there is a loss of structural integrity and disruption of axonal transport, causing the axon to degenerate. This degenerative response includes the breakdown of the myelin sheath that surrounds the axon, as well as the disintegration and fragmentation of the affected axon segments.
Following axonal injury, the surrounding glial cells, namely the astrocytes and microglia, become active and migrate towards the damaged site. These glial cells release chemicals called cytokines and growth factors, which mediate the inflammatory response and promote the removal of debris. The microglia phagocytose the degenerated axonal fragments, clearing away unwanted material.
Subsequently, the neuron and surrounding glial cells initiate a repair process. Schwann cells, which are glial cells that guide axonal regeneration, begin to multiply and form columns of cells known as bands of Büngner that bridge the gap between the severed axon ends. These Schwann cells provide a supportive framework and produce growth factors that stimulate axonal regrowth.
Overall, axon reactions involve a complex series of events and interactions between neurons, glial cells, and signaling molecules. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying axon reactions is crucial for developing potential therapeutic strategies to promote axonal regeneration and functional recovery in cases of nervous system injury.
Common Misspellings for AXON REACTIONS
- zxon reactions
- sxon reactions
- wxon reactions
- qxon reactions
- azon reactions
- acon reactions
- adon reactions
- ason reactions
- axin reactions
- axkn reactions
- axln reactions
- axpn reactions
- ax0n reactions
- ax9n reactions
- axob reactions
- axom reactions
- axoj reactions
- axoh reactions
- axon eeactions
- axon deactions
Etymology of AXON REACTIONS
The term "axon" originates from the Greek word "axios", meaning "axis" or "shaft", as the axon is the long, slender projection of a nerve cell that conducts electrical impulses away from the cell body. Meanwhile, the word "reactions" comes from the Latin word "reactio", which means "a response or a reaction". Thus, when combined, "axon reactions" refers to the response or reactions that occur in the axon of a nerve cell.
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