Do brain cells go through mitosis?

Brain cells, or neurons, do not undergo mitosis. Neurons, as highly specialized cells in the body, prioritize the majority of their cellular energy towards transmitting electrochemical signals and establishing connections between various nervous centers. Their structure and function are suited for the efficient transmission of messages throughout the intricate networks of the nervous system. Because neurons are highly specialized and generate a complex network, adding new nerve cells could potentially disrupt their established pathways. This disruption may affect muscle coordination and the effectiveness of communication essential for the nervous system. Despite neurons having a nucleus like other specialized cells, they lack centrioles, which are crucial organelles necessary for cell division. This absence means that as neurons develop, they wouldn’t be able to generate essential structures, making their replication or division impossible. 

It is important to note that in certain regions of the brain (e.g. the hippocampus and the subventricular zone) there are specialized areas known as neurogenic niches. In these niches, neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons) can occur in adult mammals, including humans.