Nervous Tissue Quiz

Grey Matter Location in the Central Nervous System (C.N.S.)

• Grey matter is predominantly located in the cerebral cortex, which is the outer layer of the brain.
• It is also found in deeper regions of the brain, such as the basal ganglia and thalamus.
• In the spinal cord, grey matter is situated centrally, resembling a butterfly or an "H" shape, surrounded by white matter.

Structure of Nerve Cells in Spinal Ganglia

• Nerve cells in spinal ganglia, also known as dorsal root ganglia, feature a pseudounipolar structure.
• Each cell has a single process that bifurcates into two branches: one extending to the periphery and the other to the spinal cord.
• These cells are primarily involved in transmitting sensory information from the body to the brain.

Irregular and Small Structure Nerve Cells

• Nerve cells with irregular and small structures are often located in the sympathetic ganglia.
• These cells are characterized by their granule cell-like appearance and are smaller than traditional neuron types.
• They participate in the autonomic nervous system, influencing involuntary bodily functions.

Types of Nerve Fibers in Sympathetic Ganglia

• Sympathetic ganglia primarily contain autonomic postganglionic nerve fibers, which are typically unmyelinated.
• These fibers are responsible for transmitting signals that regulate involuntary actions such as heart rate, digestion, and respiratory rate.
• Fibers in sympathetic ganglia can be classified as adrenergic or cholinergic based on their neurotransmitter usage.

Location of Cell Bodies of Nerve Cells

• The cell bodies of nerve cells are located in various regions depending on the type of neuron.
• In sensory neurons, cell bodies are located in the dorsal root ganglia outside the spinal cord.
• In motor neurons, cell bodies reside in the anterior horn of the spinal cord or within specific nuclei of the brainstem.