Question:
In which region of the adult human brain can neurons regenerate and increase in number (adult neurogenesis)?
In which region of the adult human brain can neurons regenerate and increase in number (adult neurogenesis)?
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Which memory-related hippocampal structure keeps making granule cells?
Updated On: Jun 25, 2026
- Ventral part of spinal cord
- Dentate gyrus of the hippocampus
- Substantia nigra
- Locus ceruleus
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The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: The concept of adult neurogenesis.
The mammalian central nervous system was long thought to be post-mitotic, but two niches retain neural stem cells capable of producing new neurons throughout adult life.
Step 2: The two recognised niches.
These are (a) the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, which generates new granule-cell neurons important for learning and memory, and (b) the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, which feeds the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb.
Step 3: Apply to the options.
The dentate gyrus is the classic answer and the only listed site of ongoing adult neurogenesis.
Step 4: Why the others are wrong.
The ventral spinal cord, substantia nigra (dopaminergic; its loss causes Parkinson disease and is not replenished) and locus ceruleus (noradrenergic) do not generate new neurons in the adult — their neuronal loss is permanent.
Key fact: Adult neurogenesis occurs in the dentate gyrus (hippocampus) and the subventricular zone.
The mammalian central nervous system was long thought to be post-mitotic, but two niches retain neural stem cells capable of producing new neurons throughout adult life.
Step 2: The two recognised niches.
These are (a) the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, which generates new granule-cell neurons important for learning and memory, and (b) the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricles, which feeds the rostral migratory stream to the olfactory bulb.
Step 3: Apply to the options.
The dentate gyrus is the classic answer and the only listed site of ongoing adult neurogenesis.
Step 4: Why the others are wrong.
The ventral spinal cord, substantia nigra (dopaminergic; its loss causes Parkinson disease and is not replenished) and locus ceruleus (noradrenergic) do not generate new neurons in the adult — their neuronal loss is permanent.
Key fact: Adult neurogenesis occurs in the dentate gyrus (hippocampus) and the subventricular zone.
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