Which cells do not divide after birth ?

Options

A. Nerve cells
B. Germ cells
C. Muscle cells
D. Osteocytes

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Identify the Cell Types**: The question provides four options: nerve cells, germ cells, muscle cells, and osteocytes. We need to analyze each type of cell to determine which one does not divide after birth.

2. **Understand Nerve Cells**: Nerve cells, also known as neurons, are specialized cells that make up the nervous system. They are responsible for transmitting signals throughout the body.

3. **Examine the Division of Nerve Cells**: Neurons do not divide after birth. This is primarily because they lack centrioles, which are essential for the process of mitosis (cell division). Without centrioles, neurons cannot undergo the necessary steps to divide and form new cells.

4. **Consider Other Cell Types**:
- **Germ Cells**: These cells are involved in reproduction and can divide to produce gametes (sperm and eggs).
- **Muscle Cells**: While mature muscle cells (myocytes) have limited ability to divide, they can undergo hypertrophy (increase in size) rather than division.
- **Osteocytes**: These are mature bone cells that can also undergo limited division, especially in response to bone remodeling.

5. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, the only cell type that does not divide after birth is the nerve cell (neuron).

**Final Answer**: Nerve cells do not divide after birth.

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