Neuronal sprouting is any process where neurite growth occurs, typically through modifications to

synapses In the nervous system, a synapse is a structure that allows a neuron (or nerve cell) to pass an electrical or chemical signal to another neuron or a target effector cell. Synapses can be classified as either chemical or electrical, depending o ...

where a neuron outgrowths to establish connections to other neurons. It is both the growth of new branches or extensions from existing neurons in response to injury or disease. This process is a form of

neuroplasticity Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or just plasticity, is the ability of neural networks in the brain to change through neurogenesis, growth and reorganization. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganize and rewir ...

, which allows the brain to rewire itself and adapt to changes in the environment. Neural sprouting is thought to play an important role in recovery from brain injury, where the brain compensates for lost function by forming new connections between neurons. In neural sprouting, new branches are formed from existing neurons, which can extend towards areas of injury or disease. These new branches can form new connections with other neurons, allowing the brain to redirect inputs to undamaged areas and compensate for the loss of function in the damaged area. While neural sprouting can be a beneficial process for recovery from brain injury, it can also have negative effects in some cases. For example, in certain neurodegenerative conditions, such as

Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease and the cause of 60–70% of cases of dementia. The most common early symptom is difficulty in remembering recent events. As the disease advances, symptoms can include problems wit ...

, abnormal sprouting of neurons may contribute to the spread of the disease and further neuronal death. Therefore, while neural sprouting is an important form of

, it is a complex process that can have both positive and negative effects, depending on the specific circumstances and the nature of the injury or disease.

References

{{reflist Memory Neurophysiology Neurotrauma Neural circuitry Brain