Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Wallerian degeneration
Pronunciation: wal-LEER-ee-an
Anterograde degeneration of axons and myelin sheaths following proximal nerve injury or transection.
Full Definition
Wallerian degeneration is a well-characterized process of axonal and myelin breakdown that occurs distal to the site of nerve injury or transection. Following axonal damage, the distal portion of the axon degenerates in a predictable temporal sequence, with initial axonal swelling and fragmentation followed by myelin breakdown and macrophage infiltration. This process is essential for subsequent nerve regeneration and occurs in both peripheral and central nervous systems, though regeneration capacity differs between these compartments.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Augustus Waller; capitalize the 'W' in Wallerian.
In Context
- "Wallerian degeneration was evident in the corticospinal tract following the stroke." — Stroke pathology report
- "The peripheral nerve showed classic features of Wallerian degeneration distal to the injury site." — Trauma surgery consultation
Also known as
anterograde degeneration
Contrasted with
nerve regeneration
Don't confuse with
retrograde degeneration
demyelination