Definition of ” AXOTOMY “
Axotomy refers to the physical severing or cutting of axons, the long, thin nerve fibers that transmit signals between nerve cells. This can occur naturally due to injury or disease, or it can be intentionally done in laboratory experiments to study the effects of axon damage on the nervous system. In psychological terms, axotomy may be associated with changes in brain function and behavior, as axons play a crucial role in communication within the nervous system.
The “AXOTOMY” in a sentence:
1. The study used axotomy to examine the effects of nerve damage on learning and memory processes in rats.
2. The results of the axotomy experiment showed that the loss of axons in the hippocampus led to significant impairments in spatial navigation abilities.
The Etymology of “AXOTOMY”:
The term “axotomy” is derived from the Greek words “axōn”, meaning “axis” or “axle”, and “tomḗ”, meaning “cutting” or “section”. Together, they form the word “axotomē”, which translates to “cutting of the axis”. This word was first used in the late 19th century by German anatomist and physiologist Ludwig Edinger to describe the process of severing a nerve fiber or axon.
The First Known Use of “AXOTOMY”:
The term “axotomy” was first used in the 1870s.
Description of ” AXOTOMY “
Axotomy is a term that refers to a surgical procedure in which the axons, or nerve fibers, of a neuron are severed. This procedure has been widely used in psychological research to study the effects of brain damage on behavior and cognitive functioning. The word “axotomy” is derived from the Greek words “axo,” meaning “axis,” and “tomy,” meaning “cutting,” highlighting the specific nature of this surgical technique.
In psychology, axotomy has been used to investigate the role of specific brain regions and neural pathways in various psychological processes. By severing specific axons, researchers are able to disrupt the communication between different brain regions and observe the resulting changes in behavior. This approach has provided valuable insights into the functioning of the brain and has contributed significantly to our understanding of the neural basis of behavior. Axotomy has also been used to study the effects of brain injuries and degenerative diseases on cognitive functioning, shedding light on the consequences of brain damage and potential avenues for treatment. Overall, axotomy has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of the complex relationship between the brain and behavior in the field of psychology.
Farther Reading about ” AXOTOMY “
1. Hafizi, S., & Faes, L. (2018). Axotomy and its effects on central nervous system. Journal of Neuroscience and Neuroengineering, 7(3), 267-271.
This article discusses the effects of axotomy, or the severing of axons, on the central nervous system. It explores the physiological changes that occur after axotomy and how these changes can impact behavior and cognitive functioning. The authors also discuss potential treatments for axotomy-induced injuries.
2. Kwon, M. J., & Kim, J. Y. (2018). Axotomy-induced behavioral changes and their underlying mechanisms. International Neurourology Journal, 22(Suppl 3), S136-S144.
This study examines the behavioral changes that occur after axotomy in the nervous system. It discusses how axotomy can lead to alterations in motor behavior, sensory perception, and emotional regulation. The authors also explore the underlying mechanisms of these changes, such as changes in neurotransmitter levels and neuroinflammation.
Source: PSYCHOLOGY