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anterograde degeneration
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anterograde degeneration

pathology
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Quick Summary

Anterograde degeneration is a pathological process in the nervous system where a damaged neuron's axon deteriorates. This occurs when the part of the axon farthest from the cell body is cut off from essential metabolites. The myelin sheath surrounding the axon also breaks down. This process can be observed microscopically, especially with special stains, for a period after the injury before the myelin is completely removed. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as anterograde amnesia when it affects memory, specifically impacting the ability to form new memories after an event.12

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. nervous system disease - Nerve injuries
  2. human nervous system - Memory

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