nonregenerative

Nonregenerative is a term used in biology and medicine to describe tissues, organs, or organisms that show limited or no capacity to replace damaged cells and fully restore the original structure and function after injury. It is often discussed in contrast to regenerative tissues, which can recreate the lost tissue architecture and cellular composition. In practice, nonregenerative healing frequently results in scar formation rather than true regeneration of the original tissue.

In adults, several tissues are commonly described as nonregenerative or minimally regenerative. Cardiac muscle and much of the adult central nervous system are frequently cited examples, where injury can lead to loss of function that is not fully recovered and is instead compensated by scar tissue or other adaptations. Some other tissues, such as certain cartilage regions or portions of the inner ear, also exhibit limited regenerative responses. By contrast, some tissues, like liver or skin in certain contexts, can regenerate to a substantial degree, though outcomes may depend on injury type and severity. The degree of nonregenerative capacity is influenced by factors such as cellular availability, the microenvironment, immune responses, and aging.

The concept has clinical and research relevance in regenerative medicine. Understanding why certain tissues fail to regenerate informs strategies aimed at promoting regeneration, including stem cell therapies, bioengineered scaffolds, and modulation of inflammatory or extracellular matrix environments. In medicine and biology, nonregenerative capacity is often discussed relative to species, developmental stage, and tissue context, highlighting the ongoing challenge of restoring original tissue architecture in many human injuries.