Question

Adaptive neuroplasticity ( reactive changes to an insult/ brain damage that increases brains plastic capacity)

compare and contrast processes of collateral and regenerative sprouting?

Answer 1

The central nervous system retains innovative ability to recover and adapt secondary compensatory mechanisms to injury. The basis of recovery stems from neuroplasticity which is defined as ability for neuronal circuits to make adaptive changes on both a structural and functional level.

Regenerative sprouting is defined as the growth of offshoots or sprouts from a severed axon initiating a process of regeneration.

In regenerative sprouting, the axons of neurons innervating a structure are severed and the axon distal to the structure degenerates. The proximal stumps form growth cones and regenerate new axons and terminals.

Collateral sprouting is defined as the process in which surviving (intact) motor neurons send axonal terminals (sprouts) to the denervated muscles in an attempt to reinnervate these muscle fibers and restore muscle power.

In collateral sprouting, only a part of the innervation to a structure is severed. The distal axons and terminals degenerate and the collateral sprouts form from remaining uninjured axons to reconstitute a terminal plexus.

Note: The content in bold are the distinguishing characters.