Reinnervation

Reinnervation (pronunciation: ree-in-er-vey-shun) is a medical term that refers to the restoration of nerve supply to a body part or organ that has lost its normal nerve supply due to injury or disease.

Etymology

The term "reinnervation" is derived from the prefix 're-', meaning 'again', and 'innervation', which comes from the Latin 'innervare', meaning 'to supply with nerves'.

Process

Reinnervation involves the regrowth or repair of nerve fibers, known as axons, to restore function to a muscle or organ. This process can occur naturally in the body, or it can be facilitated through medical interventions such as nerve transfer surgery or nerve grafting.

Related Terms

Denervation: The loss of nerve supply to a body part or organ, often the precursor to reinnervation.
Axon: The long, threadlike part of a nerve cell along which impulses are conducted from the cell body to other cells.
Nerve Transfer: A surgical technique that is used to restore function to a muscle or organ that has lost its nerve supply.
Nerve Graft: A surgical procedure that involves transplanting nerve tissues to replace damaged or diseased nerves.

Clinical Significance

Reinnervation is a critical process in the recovery from nerve injuries and diseases. It can help restore function and sensation to areas of the body affected by conditions such as peripheral neuropathy, spinal cord injury, and stroke.