Histology Guide

virtual microscopy laboratory

Chapter 6 - Nerve Tissue

The nervous system is specialized for communication of information from one region of the body to another.

Neuron

The neuron is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. However, non-neural cells (i.e., glial cells) provide support and protection in the CNS (oligodendrocytes, astrocytes, ependymal cells and microglia) and the PNS (Schwann cells and satellite cells).

Peripheral Nerve

Peripheral nerves contain the axons of both motor neurons and sensory neurons that connect with the spinal cord. They are surrounded by multiple layers of connective tissue.

slide
(unmyelinated nerve fibers)
TEM
slide
(myelinated and unmyelinated fibers)
TEM
slide
(unmyelinated nerve fibers)
TEM
slide
(unmyelinated nerve fibers)
TEM

Myelinated axons are a portion of a neuron that is encapsulated by a fatty layer called the myelin sheath. The speed of conduction of myelinated axons is faster than unmyelinated axons.

slide
(myelinated and unmyelinated nerve fibers)
TEM

A synapse is a junction between two neurons in which impulses pass by diffusion of a neurotransmitter.

Neuromuscular Junction

A neuromuscular junction (or motor endplate) is a specialized synapse between a motor neuron and a skeletal muscle cell. It transmits a signal to the muscle fiber causing its contraction.