Which of the following statements are true?

A. The fascicles in a peripheral nerve divide and recombine along their course.

C. Recovery from neurotmesis requires surgical repair.

E. The patient's age influences the rate and success of nerve regeneration.

DISCUSSION: Fascicles within a peripheral nerve do divide and recombine along their course, forming funicular plexuses. If a segment of a nerve is removed and the remaining ends are reapproximated, the fascicles will not match exactly. In neurapraxia (first-degree nerve injury) anatomic continuity of the axons is preserved, but there is selective demyelination. Surgical repair is not necessary. Recovery does not depend on regeneration and occurs within days or weeks. With neurotmesis there is significant disorganization in the nerve or actual disruption of its continuity, which precludes recovery without surgical repair. Axonal sprouting ordinarily begins 10 to 20 days after transection of a peripheral nerve. The patient's age affects the rate and success of nerve regeneration: the younger the patient is, the faster and more complete is the recovery.