Embryology of the Peripheral Nerves

Abstract

Peripheral nerves are organs that reach all tissues by doing complex branching and serve communication such as integrity and interaction between axons and peripheral organs. All of these functions are directly related to the development of peripheral nerves. Because of ethical reasons as well as limited conditions, it is quite difficult to find human nerve samples in fetuses. Therefore, most of the studies about this topic were carried out on experimental animals. This chapter critically overviews the main developmental stages of axons as well as Schwann cells and connective tissue components of peripheral nerves. Because adequate knowledge on the developmental features of peripheral nerves and their basic components is still insufficient, this review can be helpful for treatment approaches relevant to nerve repair and regeneration. © 2015 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.