Are the nerve cells restored?

A person has more than one hundred billion neurons. Each of them consists of appendages and a body - as a rule, from several dendrites, short and branched, and one axon. By means of the shoots, neurons contact one another. In this case, circles and networks are formed along which the impulses are circulated. Since ancient times, scientists are concerned about whether nerve cells are being restored.

Throughout life, the brain loses neurons. This death is programmed genetically. However, unlike other cells, they do not have the ability to share. In such cases, another mechanism begins to operate. The functions of lost cells begin to be performed by nearby ones, which, increasing in size, begin to form new connections. Thus, the inactivity of the dead neurons is compensated.

Previously, it was assumed that the nerve cells are not restored. However, this claim is refuted by modern medicine. Despite the lack of ability to divide, nerve cells are restored and develop in the brain of even an adult. In addition, neurons can regenerate lost processes and the connection with other cells.

The most significant accumulation of nerve cells is located in the brain. Due to outgoing numerous processes, contacts with neighboring neurons are formed.

Cranial, vegetative and spinal nodules, nerve endings and nerves, providing impulses to tissues, internal organs and limbs, form the peripheral part of the human nervous system.

The nervous system in a healthy organism is a well-organized system. However, if in a complex chain one of the links ceases to perform its functions, the entire body can suffer. Severe brain damage accompanying Parkinson's disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease lead to an accelerated loss of neurons. For many decades, scientists are trying to answer the question of how nerve cells are restored.

Today it is known that the nucleation of neurons in the brain of adult mammals can be carried out with the help of special stem cells (the so-called neuronal cells). At the moment, it is established that nerve cells are restored in the subventricular region, the hippocampus (dentate gyrus) and the cerebellar cortex. In the latter area, the most intensive neurogenesis is noted. The cerebellum participates in the acquisition and preservation of information about the skills of the automated and unconscious. For example, when learning the movements of a dance, a person gradually ceases to think about them, making them automatically.

The most intriguing scientists consider the regeneration of neurons in the dentate gyrus. In this area, emotions are born, storage and processing of spatial information. Scientists have not yet fully understood how newly formed neurons affect memories already formed, and how their interaction with mature neurons in this part of the brain occurs.

Scientists note that nerve cells are restored in those areas that are responsible for survival in the physical plane: orientation in space, smell, formation of motor memory. The formation of abstract thinking passes actively at a young age, during the growth of the brain. In this case, neurogenesis is associated with all zones. After reaching adulthood, the development of mental functions is carried out through the restructuring between neurons of contacts, but not due to the formation of new cells.

It should be noted that scientists continue to search for previously unknown foci of neurogenesis, even despite several rather unsuccessful attempts. This direction is relevant not only in fundamental science, but also in applied research.