Nerve Tissue Histology Overview

Connective tissue layer surrounding each individual axon within a nerve.

Bundles of nerve fibers (axons) within a nerve.

Connective tissue layer that encloses fascicles (bundles of nerve fibers) within a nerve.

Outermost layer of connective tissue that encases the entire nerve.

Nerves that transmit sensory information from the body to the central nervous system (CNS).

Nerves that carry motor commands from the CNS to muscles and glands.

Nerves that contain both sensory and motor fibers.

The ability of neurons to respond to stimuli.

The transmission of electrical impulses (action potentials) along the neuron's membrane.

Specialized cells in the nervous system that transmit information via electrical signals.

The outer protective layer of the head, consisting of skin, connective tissue, and muscle.

The control center of the nervous system, responsible for processing information, coordinating actions, and thoughts.

The outermost layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions like planning, memory, and language.

The part of the brain responsible for coordinating movement and balance.

The structure connecting the cerebrum and cerebellum to the spinal cord, controlling vital functions like breathing and heart rate.

The inner layer of the brain, primarily composed of white matter, responsible for transmitting signals between different areas of the brain.

The outer layer of the brain, primarily composed of gray matter, responsible for processing information and controlling movement.

Cells located around neuron cell bodies, providing structural and metabolic support.

Dense irregular connective tissue covering the bone, providing structural protection for the brain.

The part of the nervous system consisting of the brain and spinal cord.

The innermost layer of the retina, responsible for processing visual information before it is sent to the brain.

A pigment that accumulates in cells as they age. It is found in the Inner Granular Layer of the retina.

A layer of the retina containing neurons that receive input from the Inner Granular Layer and project to the brain.

The outermost layer of the retina, responsible for integrating information from different parts of the retina.

A type of synapse where electrical signals flow directly from one neuron to another through gap junctions, allowing for rapid communication.

A type of synapse where chemical messengers called neurotransmitters are released from one neuron to another, allowing for more complex communication.

A neurodegenerative disease characterized by the build-up of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. These affect neurons in the Multiform Layer.

A layer of the retina where neurons receive input from the Inner Granular Layer and project to other retinal layers. It shows differences in neurons based on their size and functionality.

A neurodegenerative disease characterized by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the substantia nigra, leading to motor control problems.

A neurodegenerative disease that results from the destruction of myelin in the central nervous system (CNS) by autoimmune attacks. This disrupts nerve impulse conduction.

A neurodegenerative disease that involves demyelination of the peripheral nervous system (PNS). This often affects the limbs causing weakness and numbness.

The site where a nerve impulse transmits from one neuron to another cell. Consists of the presynaptic terminal, synaptic cleft, and postsynaptic membrane.

The part of the neuron that releases neurotransmitters into the synaptic cleft.

The space between the presynaptic terminal and the postsynaptic membrane.

The part of the neuron that receives neurotransmitters and responds to the signal.

Neurotransmitters that increase the likelihood of a postsynaptic neuron firing an action potential. Examples include glutamate and acetylcholine.

Specialized cells in the nervous system that support and protect neurons. They provide structural support, insulation, and nutrient supply.

Gaps in the myelin sheath that allow for faster nerve signal transmission by enabling 'jumping' of the signal from node to node.

Type of glial cell found in the PNS, responsible for forming myelin sheaths around individual axons.

Type of glial cell located in the CNS, responsible for producing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Insulates axons to speed up signal transmission. This layer is formed by specialized cells called Schwann cells in the PNS and oligodendrocytes in the CNS.

Specialized cells found in the central nervous system (CNS) that form the myelin sheath for multiple axons. This greatly enhances the speed of signal conduction.

A type of glial cell in the CNS that plays a crucial role in regulating the blood-brain barrier, maintaining ion balance, and repairing damaged tissue.

Immune cells in the CNS that act as 'scavengers' to engulf and destroy harmful pathogens and cellular debris.

A type of neurotransmitter that inhibits nerve impulses, meaning it slows down or stops signals from traveling along nerve cells.

Damage to the central nervous system (CNS) can lead to permanent loss of function due to the creation of a glial scar, which forms a barrier that prevents nerve regeneration.

The process of wrapping axons with a myelin sheath, which increases the speed of nerve impulses. This is vital for optimal communication in the nervous system.