Human Histology: Nervous Tissue

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Questions and Answers

Which characteristic primarily differentiates a unipolar neuron from a bipolar neuron?

  • The presence of multiple dendrites extending from the cell body.
  • The number of processes extending from the cell body. (correct)
  • The size of the axon hillock.
  • The type of neurotransmitter released at the synapse.

In the central nervous system (CNS), which glial cell is responsible for myelinating multiple axons, increasing the speed of nerve impulse transmission?

  • Oligodendrocytes (correct)
  • Microglia
  • Ependymal cells
  • Astrocytes

Which glial cell type is primarily involved in regulating the ionic environment and providing structural support within the central nervous system (CNS)?

  • Satellite cells
  • Microglia
  • Ependymal cells
  • Astrocytes (correct)

Which of the following is a key function of ependymal cells in the central nervous system?

<p>Lining ventricles and aiding in the production/circulation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). (C)</p>
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Microglia are specialized macrophages that play a crucial role in the central nervous system (CNS). What is their primary function?

<p>Mediating immune responses and phagocytizing cellular debris. (C)</p>
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Which meningeal layer is characterized as a thick, dense irregular connective tissue and is continuous with the periosteum of the skull?

<p>Dura mater (A)</p>
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The subarachnoid space is crucial for protecting the central nervous system. What primary fluid does this space contain?

<p>Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) (B)</p>
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How does the arrangement of gray and white matter differ between the cerebrum and the spinal cord?

<p>The cerebrum has gray matter externally and white matter internally, while the spinal cord has gray matter internally and white matter externally. (D)</p>
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Which layer of the cerebral cortex is characterized by a high density of small pyramidal cells and is located just beneath the molecular layer?

<p>External granular layer (D)</p>
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The Purkinje cells are a distinctive feature of the cerebellar cortex. In which layer of the cerebellar cortex are these cells primarily located?

<p>Purkinje cell layer (C)</p>
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What is the primary function of the dorsal horns of the spinal cord's gray matter?

<p>To receive sensory information from the body. (C)</p>
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Which glial cell type is found primarily in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and is responsible for myelinating axons?

<p>Schwann cells (D)</p>
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Satellite cells play a supportive role for neurons in the peripheral nervous system (PNS). What is their main function?

<p>Regulating the microenvironment around neuronal cell bodies in ganglia (D)</p>
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What is the role of the epineurium in the context of peripheral nerve structure?

<p>It is the outermost covering of the entire nerve. (B)</p>
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Along myelinated nerve fibers, what are the circular constrictions where the axon is not covered by myelin sheath called?

<p>Nodes of Ranvier (B)</p>
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Which of the following best describes Nissl substance's primary function?

<p>Protein synthesis. (B)</p>
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What is the primary structural and functional difference between myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers?

<p>Myelinated fibers conduct impulses faster because of saltatory conduction. (C)</p>
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Within the spinal cord, what distinguishes the ventral horns from the dorsal horns?

<p>The presence of motor neuron bodies. (A)</p>
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Which of the following describes the primary distinction between protoplasmic and fibrous astrocytes?

<p>Location in the CNS and interaction with blood vessels. (A)</p>
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What is the main difference between a nerve and a tract within the nervous system?

<p>A nerve is a collection of axons in the PNS, while a tract is in the CNS. (A)</p>
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Which of the following is the key difference between a nucleus and a ganglion in the nervous system?

<p>A nucleus is a collection of neuron cell bodies in the CNS, while a ganglion is in the PNS. (B)</p>
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What primary feature distinguishes a spinal ganglion from an autonomic ganglion?

<p>Whether the neurons are sensory or motor. (D)</p>
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What is the role of voltage-regulated calcium ($Ca^{2+}$) channels in synaptic transmission?

<p>To trigger the fusion of synaptic vesicles with the presynaptic membrane, releasing neurotransmitters. (B)</p>
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How do astrocytes contribute to the function of the blood-brain barrier?

<p>By surrounding blood vessels with perivascular feet that regulate permeability. (B)</p>
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What critical event is directly mediated by the binding of acetylcholine (ACh) to receptors on the postsynaptic neuron?

<p>Opening of ion channels, leading to changes in membrane potential. (D)</p>
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What is the functional significance of the arrangement of the cerebral cortex into distinct layers?

<p>It allows for the localization of specific neuronal functions. (A)</p>
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How does the presence of myelin sheaths affect the conduction velocity of nerve fibers?

<p>It increases conduction velocity by enabling saltatory conduction. (C)</p>
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What is the primary difference in function between the white matter and the gray matter of the central nervous system?

<p>White matter primarily facilitates communication between different brain regions, while gray matter is involved in processing and integrating information. (B)</p>
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What mechanism accounts for the increased speed of impulse transmission in myelinated nerve fibers compared to unmyelinated nerve fibers?

<p>Saltatory conduction (D)</p>
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Which of the following is NOT a primary function of astrocytes in the CNS?

<p>Formation of myelin sheaths. (D)</p>
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Compared to myelinated nerve fibers, unmyelinated nerve fibers typically exhibit which characteristic?

<p>Smaller axon diameter (D)</p>
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Which structure is responsible for the production and circulation of cerebrospinal fluid, lining the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord?

<p>Ependymal cells (B)</p>
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Compared to the gray matter of the cerebrum, what cellular feature is predominantly found in the white matter?

<p>Myelinated axons (D)</p>
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In regards to conduction velocity, how are unmyelinated nerve fibers characterized compared to myelinated nerve fibers?

<p>They are slower (D)</p>
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Which glial cell type is primarily responsible for insulating PNS axons?

<p>Schwann cells (D)</p>
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Nerve fibers that prevent the loss of nerve impulse are enclosed by what?

<p>Myelin sheath (B)</p>
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Where are you most likely to find Satellite Cells??

<p>Posterior root ganglion. (C)</p>
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Which division of labor does dura mater perform in CNS?

<p>Connective tissue to protect brain and spinal cord. (A)</p>
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How do the structural components and arrangement of gray and white matter in the brain and spinal cord correlate with their respective functions?

<p>The cerebrum's internal white matter facilitates rapid communication between cortical areas, while the spinal cord's central gray matter enables local reflex arcs and sensory integration. (A)</p>
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How does the unique structure of Purkinje neurons in the cerebellar cortex contribute to cerebellar function?

<p>Their extensive dendritic branching allows Purkinje cells to integrate a vast amount of synaptic information, enabling precise motor coordination and learning. (B)</p>
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How do the morphological characteristics of neurons, such as the presence of dendritic spines, influence their function in neural circuits?

<p>Dendritic spines increase the surface area available for synapses, allowing for greater integration of signals and synaptic plasticity. (A)</p>
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Which histological feature would best help you distinguish between a section of the cerebral cortex and a section of the cerebellar cortex?

<p>The presence of a distinct layer of large Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex. (C)</p>
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In a synapse, how do processes at the presynaptic terminal ensure unidirectional signal transmission and prevent signal reversal?

<p>Vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release are localized to the presynaptic side, and receptors are only found on the postsynaptic neuron. (C)</p>
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How does myelination affect the function of nerve fibers, and what cellular mechanisms underpin this effect?

<p>Myelination increases membrane resistance and decreases capacitance, leading to saltatory conduction and faster impulse transmission. (A)</p>
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How can the presence or absence of myelin sheaths around axons be used to differentiate between white matter and gray matter in the central nervous system?

<p>White matter appears lighter due to the high lipid content of myelin, while gray matter contains more neuronal cell bodies. (B)</p>
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Considering the cellular composition of the cerebral cortex, how do the structural differences between its layers enable specialized functions?

<p>Variations in cell density, size, and type across layers facilitate distinct processing stages, from sensory input to motor output. (C)</p>
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How do astrocytes facilitate neuronal function within the CNS, particularly concerning neurotransmitter activity and the blood-brain barrier?

<p>Astrocytes regulate ion balance, neurotransmitter levels, and contribute to the blood-brain barrier, ensuring an optimal environment for neuronal signaling. (C)</p>
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How does the arrangement of meningeal layers around the central nervous system enhance protection against mechanical injury and infection?

<p>The dura mater protects against physical trauma, the arachnoid mater cushions with CSF, and the pia mater adheres to the CNS surface, providing a barrier. (C)</p>
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What distinguishes protoplasmic astrocytes from fibrous astrocytes in terms of their location, structure, and interaction with neurons?

<p>Protoplasmic astrocytes, in gray matter, have shorter processes and interact with synapses, while fibrous astrocytes, in white matter, have longer processes and interact with myelinated axons. (A)</p>
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How does the structural organization of a peripheral nerve (epineurium, perineurium, endoneurium) contribute to its ability to withstand mechanical stress and facilitate nerve regeneration?

<p>The layering provides tensile strength and support for individual nerve fibers and organized bundles, aiding in recovery after injury. (B)</p>
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What are the key differences between myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers, and how do these differences impact nerve impulse conduction?

<p>Myelinated fibers use saltatory conduction for rapid transmission, while unmyelinated fibers rely on continuous conduction, which is slower. (D)</p>
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How does the differing structure of spinal and autonomic ganglia relate to their specific functions in sensory and autonomic control?

<p>Spinal ganglia, with pseudounipolar neurons, transmit sensory information, while autonomic ganglia, with multipolar neurons, integrate autonomic signals. (D)</p>
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What mechanisms ensure the unidirectional flow of information at a synapse, preventing a postsynaptic neuron from activating the presynaptic neuron?

<p>Neurotransmitter release is confined to the presynaptic terminal, with receptors only on the postsynaptic neuron, ensuring one-way communication. (B)</p>
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How are neuronal cell bodies and fiber tracts organized into gray and white matter in the spinal cord, and how does this arrangement relate to the spinal cord's functions?

<p>The central gray matter processes motor and sensory information, while the surrounding white matter facilitates rapid communication to and from the brain. (B)</p>
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How do the structural features of the epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium in peripheral nerves support nerve function and regeneration?

<p>Bundling and insulating nerve fibers ensures structural integrity and facilitates efficient signal transmission and regeneration after injury. (C)</p>
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How do the distinct structural features of sensory neurons in dorsal root ganglia support their primary function of transmitting sensory information?

<p>Pseudounipolar shape allows rapid signal conduction from receptors to the spinal cord, bypassing cell body integration. (C)</p>
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Given the functions of the central nervous system, what common features would you expect to observe across different regions of the brain?

<p>Glial cell support, neuronal connections, and protective barriers for signal transmission, integration, and regulation. (C)</p>
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How does the structure of the cerebral cortex, with its layered arrangement of cells, contribute to its function?

<p>The layers create specialized circuits for sensory processing, motor control, and higher-level cognitive functions. (A)</p>
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How does the structural arrangement of white and gray matter in the spinal cord contribute to its functions of transmitting signals between the brain and the body?

<p>White matter tracts facilitate rapid communication, while gray matter processes sensory and motor information locally. (A)</p>
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How does the presence of specialized glial cells like oligodendrocytes in white matter enhance the efficiency of neural signal transmission?

<p>Oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that insulate axons, enabling rapid saltatory conduction and signal transmission. (A)</p>
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How does the structure and arrangement of the meninges contribute to the protection of the brain and spinal cord?

<p>They provide a multi-layered cushion of fluid and connective tissue that absorbs shock and isolates the CNS from external forces. (A)</p>
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What is the functional correlation between the extensive branching of Purkinje cell dendrites and their role in cerebellar motor control?

<p>Branching allows integration of numerous inputs, refining motor commands and coordinating movement. (A)</p>
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How do structural differences between myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers correlate with their function in signal transmission?

<p>Myelination enables faster impulse propagation, while unmyelinated fibers support slower, continuous transmission for diverse regulatory functions. (D)</p>
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Flashcards

Multipolar Neuron

A cell with a single axon and multiple dendrites.

Astrocytes

A type of CNS neuroglia, forms part of the blood-brain barrier.

Oligodendrocytes

A CNS neuroglia, It myelinates CNS axons.

Ependymal Cells

Lines brain ventricles and spinal cord central canal, assists in CSF circulation.

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Microglia

Phagocytic cells moving throughout the CNS.

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Dura Mater

The outermost layer of the central nervous system.

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Arachnoid Mater

This is the middle layer of the central nervous system

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Pia Mater

The innermost layer of the central nervous system.

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White Matter

Mostly myelinated nerve fibers and some glial cells.

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Gray Matter

Mostly neuronal cell bodies, unmyelinated fibers, and neuroglial cells.

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Schwann Cells

Type of glial cells that surrounds and insulates PNS axons.

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Satellite Cells

Electrically insulates PNS cell bodies. Regulates nutrient/waste exchange.

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Epineurium

External coat of nerve in the PNS connective tissue

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Perineurium

Connective tissue that surrounds each bundle of nerve.

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Endoneurium

Connective tissue that surrounds individual nerve fiber.

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Myelinated Nerve Fibers

These are enclosed by myelin sheath which prevent loss of nerve impulse.

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Unmyelinated Nerve Fibers

Naked axons with no multiple wrapping to form a myelin sheath.

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Study Notes

  • Human Histology Laboratory is MT120225
  • The unit of study is unit 4 : Nervous Tissue
  • School of Health Sciences, Dept of Medical Technology, UST General Santos are covering this in the second semester of A.Y. 2024-2025

Learning Outcomes

  • Differentiate types of neurons based on struture.
  • Identify the neuroglial cells in the CNS and PNS.
  • Distinguish between the main regions of the brain and spinal cord, based on location and structural components.
  • Identify the histologic layers of the cerebellum.
  • Differentiate between myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers microscopically.

Overview of Nervous Tissue

  • The topic outline includes:
    • An overview of the nervous tissue
    • Central and peripheral nervous systems
    • Laboratory activities and review

Morphology of a Typical Neuron

  • Components of a typical neuron include dendrites, a multipolar neuron, Nissl substance, an axon hillock and axon, and axons.
  • Arteriole, neuroglia, nucleus and nucleolus can be present in multipolar neurons
  • Gray matter of the anterior horn and white matter are other features

Neuron Cell Body

  • Anterior horn of the human spinal cord can be stained with toluidine blue to show the cell body.
  • The cell body contains neuroglial nuclei, a nucleolus, a nucleus, and Nissl bodies.

Dendrites

  • Silver impregnated Purkinje neuron of the cerebellum.

Axon

  • Axons, axon hillocks, glia, and dendrites are neuron components.

Cells of the Nervous Tissue: Neurons

  • Structural classes of neurons include multipolar, bipolar, unipolar, and anaxonic neurons.
  • Pseudounipolar neurons, containing satellite cells and cell bodies, exist in dorsal root ganglia.
  • Bipolar neurons have axon hillocks, a soma, dendrites, and neuroglia.
  • Multipolar neurons in the spinal cord have axons, axon hillocks, glia, soma, and dendrites.
  • Neurons form synapses to communicate.
  • The synapse includes the axon of a presynaptic neuron, calcium ions, a synaptic cleft, a postsynaptic membrane, and a postsynaptic neuron with sodium ions.

Central Nervous System

  • The central nervous system can be broken down into cells of the nervous tissue called glial cells.
  • Types of central neuroglia include astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia, and ependymal cells
  • Astrocytes form part of the blood-brain barrier, regulate interstitial fluid compisition, provides support to the CNS, assists with neuronal development, and replicates to occupy space of dying neurons
  • Oligodendrocytes myelinates and insulates CNS axons and allows for faster action potential propagation along axons in the CNS
  • Microglial cells are phagocytic cells that move through the CNS and protect it by engulfing potential hramful substances
  • Ependymal cells line the ventricles of the brain and the central canal of the spinal cord

Astrocytes

  • Types of Astrocytes, central neuroglia:
    • Protoplasmic
    • Fibrous
  • Astrocytes are visible via Immunohistochemical staining in brain white matter using anti-GFAP antibodies

Other Central Neuroglia

  • Oligodendrocytes
  • Microglia
  • Ependymal cells
    • Line the trachea

Connective Tissue of the CNS

  • There are 3 meningeal layers:
    • Dura Mater, the outermost layer, is thick and continuous with the skull's periosteum.
    • Arachnoid Mater, the middle layer, has a connective tissue sheet and trabeculae connecting to the pia mater.
    • Pia Mater, the innermost layer, consists of flattened mesenchymal-derived cells.

Structures of the Central Nervous System

  • Meninges include the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater.
  • White matter consists mostly of myelinated nerve fibers, some unmyelinated fibers, and glial cells.
  • Gray matter consists mostly of neuronal cell bodies, unmyelinated fibers, and neuroglial cells.

Cerebrum

  • The cerebrum contains pia mater, gray matter, and white matter
  • There are 6 layers to the cerebral cortex :
    • Molecular
    • External Granular
    • External Pyramidal
    • Internal Granular
    • Ganglionic (internal pyramidal)
    • Multiform (polymorphic)

Cerebellum

  • Cerebellar cortex contains cell layers which are
    • Molecular
    • Granule

Spinal cord

  • The spinal cord is part of the Central Nervous System and consists of
    • Gray Matter, (H shaped)
      • Consists of 2 dorsal horns with with interneurons that receive sensory fibers
      • Contains 2 ventral horns, with multipolar motor neurons
  • White Matter
    • Which is located on the periphery
      • Consists of ascending and descending mostly myelinated fibers

Peripheral Nervous System (PNS)

  • Components:
  • Nerve
  • Ganglia
  • Nerve Endings

Glial cells

  • Types of Central Neuroglia
    • Astryocytes
    • Oligodendrocytes
    • Microglia
    • Ependymal cells
  • Schwann and satellite cells are also glial cells
  • Functions of Satellite Cells
    • Electrically insulates the PNS cell bodies
    • Regulates the nutrient and waste exchange for cell bodies in the ganglia

Peripheral Neuroglia

  • Schwann cells.
  • Myelinated nerve fibers show Schwann cells around axons and myelin sheaths.
  • Satellite cells surround neurons of ganglia in the PNS.

Connective Tissue of the PNS:

Includes epineurium which is the external coat, perineurium which surrounds bundles of nerve, and endoneurium which surrounds individual nerve fibers

Peripheral Nerve

  • Includes blood vessels, epineurium, and bundled nerve fibers.

Ganglion

  • Consists of Nerve Fibers (NF), blood Vessels (BV), cell bodies (CB), Neuron (N) or Nucleus (NL)

Structures of the Peripheral Nervous System -Myelinated Nerve Fibers

  • The fibers are enclosed by a myelin sheath, to prevent loss of nerve impulse
  • Contains circular constrictions (nodes of ranvier)
  • There are also internodal or schwann segments

Unmyelinated Nerve Fibers

  • Naked axons
  • No multiple wrapping
  • Smaller diameter axons
  • Still contain schwann cells
  • No Nodes of ranvier

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