Spinal Cord Function and Regeneration

The spinal cord is crucial for communication between the brain and body. Injuries can lead to paralysis and are often irreversible due to the inability of central nervous system neurons to regrow axons. Research focuses on three strategies: altering the environment to support growth, enhancing cellular machinery, and using stem cells. These approaches aim to promote nerve regeneration and offer hope for spinal cord injury patients.

What is the primary function of the spinal cord in the human body?

• To store memories

• To transmit signals between the brain and the body

• To produce hormones

• To regulate blood pressure

What is a major consequence of severe spinal cord injuries?

• Increased muscle strength

• Enhanced sensory perception

• Paralysis below the injury site

• Improved cognitive function

Why is the damage to the spinal cord often irreversible?

• Neurons in the central nervous system cannot regrow their axons

• The spinal cord is too flexible

• The immune system attacks the spinal cord

• The brain does not send repair signals

What is the first strategy scientists are using to promote nerve regeneration?

• Increasing blood flow to the spinal cord

• Changing the environment around damaged nerves

• Using electrical stimulation

• Administering painkillers

Which molecules are suspected of blocking nerve regeneration?

• Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans

• Dopamine receptors

• Serotonin transporters

• Calcium ions

What is the focus of the second strategy to aid nerve regeneration?

• Increasing blood sugar levels

• Blocking pain signals

• Enhancing the cellular machinery of damaged neurons

• Reducing physical activity

What role do integrins play in neuron regeneration?

• They block nerve signals

• They help neurons become more receptive to growth signals

• They increase blood flow

• They cause inflammation

What is the potential benefit of using mesenchymal stem cells in spinal cord injury treatment?

• They can transform into new neurons

• They increase the size of the spinal cord

• They decrease the need for surgery

• They eliminate the need for physical therapy

What is a key finding from the study involving mesenchymal stem cells in rats?

• They increase the risk of infection

• They have no effect on the spinal cord

• They promote axon regeneration and repair

• They cause more damage to the spinal cord

What is the likely approach for a successful therapy for spinal cord injuries?

• Using a single strategy

• Avoiding any intervention

• Combining multiple strategies

• Relying solely on medication