By the end of this chapter, the reader should be able to:
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Classify peripheral nerve injuries using the Seddon and Sunderland systems and explain how each grade relates to prognosis and treatment pathway
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Describe the molecular basis of Wallerian degeneration as a programmed axon death pathway and explain the role of Schwann cells in preparing the regeneration pathway
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Explain the biological factors that determine whether nerve regeneration succeeds or fails, including the concept of a "race against time" between nerve regeneration and muscle deterioration
Chapter 1 described what happens to muscle when its nerve supply is lost and highlights the cascade of structural, biochemical, and electrical changes that transform functioning tissue into something quite different. This chapter takes a step back to ask a more fundamental question: how and why does denervation occur in the first place?