Axotomy

Axotomy is a neurological procedure by which an axon is being trimmed or incised. This type of surgery is being done to study neuronal physiology, specifically neuronal death and survival, in order to have a better grasp on the diseases that affect the nervous system. This neurological surgery is also being used on experimental studies by having animals as subjects. It allows surgeons, as well as psychologists, to examine a range of neuronal responses and to observe and record elicited behaviors or bodily responses. These responses will enable researchers to study the correlation of severing certain axons to functionality which in turn will allow doctors to develop effective treatment for nervous system diseases.