Peripheral nerve regeneration

Mammals have retained the ability to regenerate axons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and, if properly treated, can regain much of the function that is lost after peripheral nerve damage. Not only do the axons regenerate in the periphery, but they restore functional motor connections with muscles, and functional sensory connections with the skin. Nevertheless, peripheral nerve repair is seldom perfect, due both to problems of axon guidance and to other factors that can limit regeneration. There are, therefore, several problems that need to be solved before a regenerated peripheral nerve can completely restore normal function.