Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
Wallerian degeneration
Pronunciation: wah-LEER-ee-an
Anterograde degeneration of axons and myelin sheaths distal to the site of nerve injury.
Full Definition
Wallerian degeneration describes the progressive breakdown of axonal segments and their associated myelin sheaths following nerve transection or severe injury. Named after Augustus Waller, this process involves initial axonal swelling, followed by fragmentation and eventual clearance by macrophages. The degeneration occurs in the portion of the axon separated from the cell body. Understanding this process is essential for interpreting peripheral nerve pathology and distinguishing acute from chronic nerve injuries.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalize 'Wallerian' as it derives from the proper name Augustus Waller.
In Context
- "Wallerian degeneration was observed in nerve fibers distal to the traumatic injury site." — Nerve biopsy report
- "The timeline of Wallerian degeneration helps determine the chronicity of nerve damage." — Teaching material
Also known as
anterograde axonal degeneration
Contrasted with
axonal regeneration
Don't confuse with
retrograde degeneration
dying-back neuropathy