Richland College

Biol. 2401 Marieb A&P Lab Manual - 9th Edition

EXERCISE 17 – NERVOUS TISSUE

OBJECTIVES
1. To differentiate between the neurons and neuroglia.
2. To identify the neuroglial cells—microglia, astrocytes, and Schwann cell.
3. To classify neurons according to structure and function.
4. To identify the important structures of a neuron, and state the functions of each.
5. To explain how a nerve impulse is transmitted via the synapse.
6. To explain the role of Schwann cells in the formation of the myelin sheath.
7. To describe the structure of a nerve and identify the connective tissue coverings.

NOTES:
1. I. Functional classification of neuron:  axon with hillock
 Sensory neurons - afferent
 Interneurons 4. General structure of peripheral myelination:
 Motor neurons - efferent  neurilemma
II. Structural classification of neuron:  myeline sheath
 Unipolar neurons  Schwann cells
 Bipolar neurons  nodes of Ranvier
 Multipolar neurons Note central myelination is formed by
oligodendrocytes instead.
2. Types of neuroglia cells:
 Astrocytes 5. Connective tissue coverings of a nerve:
 Ependymal cells  endoneurium
 Microglia  perineurium
 Oligodendrocytes  epineurium
 Schwann cells
 Satellite cells 6. General structure of a synapse:
 presynaptic end bulb
3. General structure of a neuron:  synaptic cleft
 cell body with Nissl bodies  postsynaptic membrane
 dendrites

ACTIVITY 1-2: STRUCTURE OF A NEURON

Examine the structure of neurons on both models and microscopic slide of nervous tissue,
classify the neurons according to structure and function, and differentiate between neuron
and neuroglia cells as well.
Neuron models: all structures
Microscopy of neurons (ox spinal cord)
Microscopy of neuroglial cell representatives: Microglia; Astrocytes
Microscopy of Purkinje cells of cerebellum; Pyramidal cells of cerebrum - DEMO
Models of various types of neurons (reflex arc)

ACTIVITY 3: STRUCTURE OF A NERVE

3 connective tissue coverings nerve cross section:
 Endoneurium - 1 axon
 Perineurium - 1 fascicle
 Epineurium - nerve