Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026
20:14
Combining Peripheral Nerve Grafting and Matrix Modulation to Repair the Injured Rat Spinal Cord
Published on: November 20, 2009
16.9K
Peripheral nervous system involvement in chronic spinal cord injury
Hatice Tankisi1, Kirsten Pugdahl1, Mikkel Mylius Rasmussen2,3
1Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Nørrebrogade 44, DK-8000, Aarhus C, Denmark.
Muscle & Nerve
|March 12, 2015
Summary
Spinal cord injury (SCI) significantly impacts the peripheral nervous system (PNS), contrary to prior beliefs. Electrophysiologic changes indicate widespread PNS involvement, particularly affecting motor nerves.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Neurology
- Clinical Electrophysiology
Background:
- Upper motor neuron disorders were thought to spare the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
- Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a condition affecting the central nervous system, with potential but unconfirmed effects on the PNS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate evidence of peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement in individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI).
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 12 subjects with chronic cervical or thoracic SCI.
- Bilateral needle electromyography in 10 muscles per subject.
- Nerve conduction studies (NCS) on specific motor and sensory nerves.
Main Results:
- Half of subjects exhibited widespread abnormal spontaneous activity (SA).
- SA correlated inversely with reflex activity and nerve length.
- Entrapment neuropathies (fibular, sciatic) were identified in some subjects, alongside predominant motor nerve NCS changes.
Conclusions:
- Widespread electrophysiologic changes beyond entrapment sites suggest significant SCI impact on the entire PNS.
- The motor component of the PNS appears predominantly affected by SCI.
Related Concept Videos
01:10Spinal Cord: Information Processing
4.5K
The spinal cord is an integral hub for motor and sensory information that enables the brain to communicate with the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This communication consists of relaying sensory data and transmission of motor commands.
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
Sensory Information Processing
Sensory information processing begins at the sensory receptors located in the skin and other tissues, which detect somatic sensory stimuli such as touch, temperature, or pain. These receptors function as catalysts, initiating...
4.5K
01:26Spinal Cord
3.5K
The spinal cord, a critical component of the central nervous system, extends from the base of the brainstem to the lumbar region of the vertebral column. It is essential for maintaining physical stability and facilitating communication between the brain and peripheral parts of the body.
3.5K
01:54The Spinal Cord
33.0K
The spinal cord is the body’s major nerve tract of the central nervous system, communicating afferent sensory information from the periphery to the brain and efferent motor information from the brain to the body. The human spinal cord extends from the hole at the base of the skull, or foramen magnum, to the level of the first or second lumbar vertebra.
33.0K
01:24Peripheral Nervous System: Ganglia and Nerves
8.0K
The Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) is a crucial component of the body's neural network, extending beyond the central nervous system (CNS) to bridge the gap between the CNS and the external environment. It encompasses nerves, ganglia, and sensory receptors.
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
Nerves
The nerve is a bundle of axons that serves as the communication highway in the PNS. Each nerve is ensheathed in a protective layer of connective tissue called the epineurium. This outermost layer safeguards the nerve and supports the...
8.0K
01:13Organization of the Nervous System
14.3K
The nervous system is one of the most complex systems in our body. It is organized into two main divisions: the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS).
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...
The CNS, comprising the brain and spinal cord, houses billions of neurons. The brain is housed in the skull, while the spinal cord is linked to the brain through the foramen magnum of the occipital bone and is surrounded by the protective structure of the vertebral column. It is responsible for processing various...
14.3K
01:15Neurogenesis and Regeneration of Nervous Tissue
2.2K
In the CNS, neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons from stem cells, is limited to the hippocampus in adults. In other regions of the brain and spinal cord, neurogenesis is almost non-existent due to inhibitory influences from neuroglia, especially oligodendrocytes, and the absence of growth-stimulating cues. The myelin produced by oligodendrocytes in the CNS inhibits neuronal regeneration. Furthermore, astrocytes proliferate rapidly after neuronal damage, forming scar tissue that physically...
2.2K