Damage to some of the axons that innervate a given structure may give rise to:
A) collateral sprouting, but not denervation supersensitivity.
B) denervation supersensitivity, but not collateral sprouting.
C) both collateral sprouting and denervation supersensitivity.
D) neither collateral sprouting nor denervation supersensitivity.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Damage to axons may result in a phenomenon called collateral sprouting, whereby healthy axons can branch out and eventually take over the function of the damaged axons. Additionally, denervation supersensitivity may occur, which means the remaining functional axons become more responsive than normal to neurotransmitters, leading to exaggerated responses to stimuli. Therefore, both collateral sprouting and denervation supersensitivity may occur as a result of damage to axons.

Damage to Some of the Axons That Innervate a Given