Many people believe regeneration of neurons is key to effective treatment of spinal cord injuries.
While acknowledging their findings are a necessary step toward that end, Kehl, now a research associate in the School of Dentistry, cautioned against false hope. Neurons, also known as nerve cells, can receive and transmit nervous impulses. The human spinal cord consists of a bundle of nerve cells and fibers. Together with the brain, it is part of the central nervous system. Nerve cells in the spinal cord communicate senses and carry the brain's messages to other parts of the human body.