Which statement about axonotmesis is true?

• A. It involves disruption of the axon with preserved epineurium and perineurium
• B. It is the most severe form with complete nerve transection
• C. It shows no symptoms despite injury
• D. It heals without any surgical intervention

Answer: (A)

Axonotmesis is an injury where the axon and myelin are disrupted, causing degeneration distal to the lesion, but the surrounding connective tissue coverings of the nerve (the epineurium and perineurium) stay intact. That preservation provides a scaffold for regenerating axons to grow back along the intact pathways, so recovery is possible over time without complete disorganization of the nerve structure. This distinguishes it from the most severe form, where the nerve is fully transected (neurotmesis) and from neurapraxia, where the axon remains intact and there is only a conduction block. While axonotmesis can heal without surgical repair, the outcome depends on how well the connective tissue scaffolding remains and on proper alignment during regeneration; not all cases are guaranteed to heal without intervention.