L6 – NERVOUS TISSUE
BSMT 2| S.Y. 2021-2022 Second Semester – MIDTERMS
HISTOLOGY LESSON #6
Nervous Tissue
Lecturer: Dr. Frederick Abellana, MD
ANATOMICAL DIVISIONS OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM:
To know the parts to look for nervous tissue. Anatomically, the
nervous system is divided into CNS (Central Nervous System)
and PNS (Peripheral Nervous System)
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (CNS)
• Will be composed of brain segments:
• 2 cerebral hemispheres, the cerebellum, the brain stem,
(the diencephalon, and spinal cord) These parts are
composed of nervous tissues.
PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM (PNS)
• Nervous elements outside the brain and spinal cord
belong to PNS. This will include the nerves, spinal nerves,
cranial nerves, and the sensory and motor ganglia
FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS OF NERVOUS SYSTEM:
SOMATIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
Somatic, from the word “Soma” meaning “body” which will
supply the skeletal muscle and the sensory organs
AUTONOMIC NERVOUS SYSTEM
• Is divided into the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic
Autonomic Nervous System
• Will supply the smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, and the
glands
• Basically, the ANS is a Two-Neuron Pathway meaning
there are 2 neurons in the pathway. The first neuron is
located in the CNS; either in the spinal cord or in the brain
stem. Second neuron would be located in the organ
which they will supply impulses
o Terminal Ganglia - neurons located in the
organs where they will supply the motor
impulses
EMBRYOLOGY
GERM LAYER
1. Ectoderm
• the primary germ layer or the origin of nervous tissue
(the only basic tissue that will develop solely in the
ectoderm)
• Will give rise to 2 Anlagen or Anlage(singular) of the
adult derivatives of the germ layer
2. ANLAGE/ANLAGEN
• Sometimes aka Primordium, plural Primordia
• Are structures in the embryo that can be recognized,
and will give rise to adult parts later
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The 2 Anlagen of the Nervous System
1. Neural Tube
• Will give rise to the brain segments and the spinal
cord
2. Neural Crest
• Will give rise to the neurons in the ganglia with
their sensory or motor then the supporting cells in
the PNS. Also, will give rise to non-nervous
elements (derivatives):
• Melanocytes - aka Pigment cells
• Chromaffin cells of the Adrenal Medulla (should
be specified)
• Odontoblasts – will give rise to the Dentin of your
teeth
NERVOUS TISSUE
1. CELLS – NEURONS
• Like any other tissues in the body, the nervous tissue
is composed of cells. They are called neurons.
2. VITAL PROTOPLASMIC PROPERTIES
• The neurons possess vital protoplasmic properties
because of the neurons.
• Neurons – structural and functional unit of nervous
tissues
• Vital properties highly developed in nervous tissue:
o Irritability and Conductivity – which are also
developed in muscle. So, both muscular and
nervous tissues will share those vital
protoplasmic properties
3. SUPPORTING ELEMENTS
• CNS (the brain and spinal cord) - the supporting
elements will be known as Neuroglia. Literally
means, “nerve glue”
• PNS – Schwann’s cells, the Capsule cells, and
Areolar CT. There is a CT support
DOCTRINE OF WALDEYER
1. STRUCTURAL UNIT
• Is the restatement of the Cell Theory
• Cell Theory states that the neuron is the structural
unit of nervous tissue. Because one neuron is
separated from the rest of the neurons. There is no
cytoplasmic continuity between neurons
• Neurons are related only through contacts known as
Synapse
2. FUNCTIONAL UNIT
• The neuron is the functional unit of nervous tissue
because the neuron is the only cell type in the body
capable of generating impulses rapidly
3. GENETIC UNIT
• Neuron is the genetic unit of nervous tissue. One
neuron will develop from one stem cell or neuroblast.
One neuroblast will give rise to one neuron only.
Once the neuron will mature, the neuron is not
capable of division that’s why we call it the genetic
unit
4. TROPHIC UNIT
• This is because the nucleated part of the neuron that
is the Soma or Cell body governing the metabolism
of the metabolic processes of all the parts of
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neurons. Any part separated from the nucleated part
of the neurons so separated from the some will
undergo degeneration
NEURON
SIZE
Variable; very small neuron (e.g., granular cell); large neurons
in the brain and spinal cord (e.g., Betz cells at the cerebral
cortex, Purkinje cells of the cerebellar cortex)
SHAPE
Variable; depending on the number of processes. From
globular or rounded to angular or polyhedral
DIVISION
In studying a neuron, the usual or traditional division is divided
into:
o Soma – nucleated part of the neuron. From the picture
below, the whole soma is bordered by the blue
elements.
o Process - The processes are the branch like
structures on the edge of the neuron, continuing to the
body (encased in that jelly like structure), up to the
branches on the other end. That will be the basic
division of a neuron.
Diagrammatic picture of a neuron
Red – entire Soma Green – Processes
BASIC DIVISION OF A NEURON
A. SOMA
Soma meaning “body” or “cell body of the neuron”
CNS:
• The soma will be located in the Grey Matter. You will
never see or identify soma in the white matter of the
brain and spinal cord
• Soma may be grouped together to perform a particular
function called “nucleus”
• “nucleus” – is a group of functionally related neurons
located in the grey matter at the brain and spinal cord
• Several groups of nuclei may have associated functions.
This group of nuclei will be known as centers
LOPEZ. PANOREL. PISCADERO. ROLLENAS. ROMA. SANICO. SO. VERGARA. VILLAROYA
o e.g., cardiorespiratory centers
PNS:
• The soma or the cell bodies are grouped together to
form ganglion, plural ganglia
• Ganglion – a group of functionally related neurons
located in the PNS
2 TYPES OF GANGLION (depending on function)
1. Motor Ganglion
▪ Will relay motor impulses from the brain and
spinal cord to the peripheral organs or to organs
where ganglia are located
▪ Belongs to the ANS (Autonomic Nervous
System) termed Terminal Ganglion –
autonomics. Because they are located in the
organ which they will supply
e.g.
▪ Meissner’s plexus -terminal ganglion present
in the tunica submucosa of the gastrointestinal
tract
▪ Auerbach’s plexus – located in the tunica
muscularis of the digestive tract. Located
between the 2 layers of smooth muscle of the
tunica muscularis of the digestive tract
2. Sensory Ganglion
• Relay sensations coming from the sensory organs
towards the brain and spinal cord. Relaying sensory
impulses from the Peripheral to CNS
e.g.,
▪ Spinal Ganglion (DRG) – ganglion is
connected to the dorsal root of the spinal nerve.
Commonly abbreviated as DRG, Dorsal Root
Ganglion
▪ Ganglion Connected to a Cranial – some
cranial nerves
o e.g., nodose ganglion- connected to
the vagus nerve
For the rest of examples, refer to Study table 12.2, page 379
(Pawlina)
STRUCTURE OF A NEURON
1. CELL MEMBRANE
• Neurons will be enclosed by a membrane like any other
cells in the body
2. NUCLEUS
• Generally large
• most of the time located at the center
• vesicular – pale in staining. The chromatin is in
euchromatic state
• Nucleolus is very prominent. And with a pale
background, the nucleus of a neuron will look like the
eye of a fish
• Usually described as “fish-eye” nucleus
3. PERIKARYON
The cytoplasm surrounding the nucleus is generally known as
Perikaryon. Karyon meaning nucleus
a. Neuroplasm – the fluid and specialized part of the
perikaryon. In muscle, the fluid and specialized part
of the cytoplasm is known as sarcoplasm
b. Organelles – suspended in the neuroplasm
c. Inclusions
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ORGANELLES • Lipofuscin Pigments - which this will be the
1. Nissl Bodies indigestible residues of lysosomal digestions
• With cresyl violet stain, it will appear as basophilic flakes
in the cytoplasm of the neuron The neuroplasm will also have the food vacuoles. Includes
• Nissl bodies will represent Rough Endoplasmic carbohydrates, lipids, fats, proteins, and the most important
Reticulum inclusion would be the lipofuscin pigments
• Ribosomes attached on the surface of the Endoplasmic
Reticulum - are responsible for the basophilia of Nissl PROCESSES
bodies 1. Axon
• Sometimes known as Chromatophilic substance or • “Implantation cone” or the Axon hillock
Tigroid bodies because sometimes it will appear like 2. Dendrites
the stripes of the tiger. For Doc A, it looks more like a BASES AXON DENDRITES
leopard than a tiger NUMBER ONE SEVERAL
Function/s: LENGTH LONG SHORT
For the production of proteins, would be equivalent to Rough COLLATERAL RIGHT angle ACUTE angle
ER which functions for the production of proteins SHEATH PRESENT ABSENT
IMPULSE Cellulifugal – Cellulipetal
Conduction away from
SOMA
NISSL BODIES ABSENT PRESENT
CONTOUR SMOOTH ROUGHT
Number (usually the first difference): A neuron will only have
one axon. Sometimes axon is absent. There would be several
dendrites in a neuron except in a bipolar. Length: Axon is long
Dendrite is short. Presence of Branches. Collateral meaning
“branches”: Both processes will have branches, but they differ
in the manner of branching. In the axon, the branching is right
angle, 90° In the dendrite, it will occur in an acute angle
Sheath: Present in axon. Will include the myelin sheath and
neurilemma. Absent in dendrite

CLASSIFICATION
Neurons can be classified based on
A. BASED ON THE LENGTH OF AXON:
Golgi type I – long axon
1.
o E.g., Betz cell, Purkinje cell
2. Golgi type II – short axon
Neuron stained with cresyl violet. Axon hillock or the o E.g., granules cells of cerebellar cortex, interneurons
implantation cone. or association neurons
B. NUMBER OF PROCESSES:
2. Golgi Apparatus
1. Unipolar
• With the presence of Rough ER or Nissl Bodies and
o 1 process in the neuron
the Golgi apparatus, you can say that neurons are
o “Neurite”
secretory in character. Meaning they can produce
o Rare
secretions or proteins. These are the secretions of
o Present on in the embryonal stage
the neurons.
2. Pseudo-unipolar
o E.g., acetylcholine – a protein synthesized
o “Pseudo” meaning false
by the Rough ER packaged in the golgi
o The neurons in the beginning, will have 2 processes:
apparatus
an axon and the dendrite
3. Neurofibrils
o However, the 2 processes will unite to form a single
• Represent the cytoskeleton of the neuron. It cannot
process known as: “Dendraxon”, a combination of
be seen in ordinary staining method
dendron and axon
• The supporting structure of the neurons
o Then, the dendraxon will divide like a letter T
▪ Peripheral process - one will be towards
4. Centrioles
the nerve endings:
• Recall: Neurons develop from the neuroblasts. Once
▪ Central process – end to the central
the neuron is mature, it is not capable of cell division.
nervous system
However, centrioles are present in the neurons
o This is the type of neuron present in the Dorsal Root
• Up to the present, the exact function of centrioles is Ganglion (DRG)
not known

INCLUSIONS
• Food Vacuoles – includes carbohydrates, lipids, fats,
proteins.
• Glycogen
• Lipids

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Pathway utilized by your reflexes. For example, the patella
reflex, bicep reflex. If you are talking about reflex, then the
spinal cord would be the integrating center (red), the blue
would be the sensory neuron.

Take note of the arrow. You stimulate the receptor, impulses

will reach to the spinal cord then relay to the interneuron or
association neuron. If you are talking about the dorsal root,
this is the pseudo-unipolar neuron (blue), and this (green) is
the association neuron in the spinal cord (golgi type II), then
Picture: Pseudo-unipolar neuron
the red one would be the motor neuron. It will relay motor
3. Bipolar impulses towards the effector organ upon reflex. (Blue:
o 2 processes Pseudo-unipolar; Green & Red: Multipolar)
o 1 axon, 1 dendrite
o Example: bipolar neurons present in the olfactory SUPPORTING STRUCTIONS (IN THE NERVOUS SYSTEM)
mucosa (receptor for smell) NS:

CNS: BRAIN AND SPINAL CORD

NEUROGLIA
• General term used to describe the supporting structure in
the brain and spinal cord
• Numerous compared to neurons
• Retain the ability to multiply
• However, with H&E staining method, it is difficult to
Picture: Bipolar neuron identify the different types of neuroglia
• A special stain is used to demonstrate the neuroglial cells
4. Multipolar neurons called the Golgi staining method
o Most common type of neuron in the brain and spinal
cord 4 TYPES OF NEUROGLIAL CELLS GIVING SUPPORT TO
o Seen in the terminal ganglia THE CNS
Types of neuroglia:
1. ASTROCYTE:
• Very large neuroglial cells (the largest)
• Many cytoplasmic processes
• Abundant cytoplasmic processes
• Functions:
o Braces the neuron
o Act as a barrier between the neuron and blood
Picture: Multipolar neuron vessels
o Controls the chemical environment of the brain
C. BASED ON FUNCTION: and spinal cord
1.
Motor • 2 subtypes of astrocytes depending on
o Neuron that relays motor impulses location:
2. Sensory o Protoplasmic astrocyte – with thick plasmatic,
o Neuron that relays sensory impulses cytoplasmic processes are present in the grey
3. Association matter
o Motor and sensory neurons connected will synapse o Fibrous astrocyte – present in the white matter
with each other through an interneuron or association
neuron 2. OLIGODENDROCYTES:
• “Oligo” meaning few
Motor and Sensory neurons: Golgi Type I • Cells with few cytoplasmic processes
Association neurons: Golgi Type II • Processes will appear beaded, so you will find beads
Best example: Reflex arc along the process. We call it Gliosome
• Gliosome – aggregation of the mitochondria along
the processes of the oligodendrocyte
• A special type of oligodendrocyte is known as the
Interfascicular glia cell
o Cell responsible for the formation of myelin in
the brain and spinal cord

3. MICROGLIA (MESOGLIA)
• “Micro” meaning small
• Smallest of the supporting cells of the brain and
spinal cord
• Sometimes, it is known as the mesoglia

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o Mesoglia in a sense that the cells will develop
from the mesoderm
• Exception: all the nervous elements will develop from
the ectoderm, EXCEPT the microglia because the
cells will develop from the mesoderm
• Cells are very small, spider-like
• (Phagocytes) Responsible for the phagocytic
processes in the brain and spinal cord
4. EPENDYMA
• Ependymal cells
• Look like simple columnar epithelium lining the
central canal of the spinal cord and the brain
ventricles
• It will form a membrane lining the cavities of the brain
and spinal cord. We call it Ependyma
• “Ependyma” meaning the membrane lining the
cavities in the brain and spinal cord
• The component cells forming the ependyma would
be the Ependymal cells
Picture of the
Ependymal cells
using Golgi stain.
• Protoplasmic astrocyte – because the cytoplasmic
processes are abundant. The branches are the
processes connected to a blood vessel. These are the
foot processes of these cells. (Middle: astrocyte in the
grey matter; Branches: processes; Red: blood vessel)
• Fibrous astrocyte – In the white matter, with thing
cytoplasmic processes. Again, with foot processes
attached to the blood vessels. Neuron is somewhere in
the ends of the branches; it will be protected by the
astrocytes.
• Neurons are not in direct contact with the blood vessels
• Microglia – look like a spider
• Oligodendrocytes – take note of the beaded
appearance of the processes. The ends of the branches
are the gliosomes.
PNS: PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
CAPSULE CELLS aka satellite cells or amphicytes
o Cells that will act as a barrier between the neurons and
the connective tissue component of the PNS
Picture: Pseudo-unipolar neuron and the Dorsal Root Ganglia
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Capsule cells: act like a capsule surrounding the soma of the
neuron. The soma is not in direct contact with the surrounding
connecting tissue
CELLS OF SCHWANN
• Second supporting cells of the PNS or the Schwann
cells
• Also known as Neurilemmal cells
o Cells that will form the neurilemma and the myelin
sheath
o Neurilemma or the sheath of Schwann
Long body: Axon
Blue capsules: Schwann cells
Gap between the successive Schwann cells: Node of
Ranvier. Schwann cells arranged end-to-end along the entire
length of the axon. The white one will represent the myelin
produced by the Schwann cells. However, there are gaps
between Schwann cells. There is a gap (yellow dots) between
Schwann cells, so there is no connection between adjacent
Schwann cells - this is the point where the axon is naked. This
is now the Node of Ranvier
• Myelin sheath:
o Glistening lipoidal sheath
▪ Glistening in appearance because it is
composed of lipid
▪ This is the cell membrane of the Schwann cell
wrapped around the axon. That is why it is
lipoidal
▪ In the preparation of the slides, because it is
lipoidal, it is dissolved during the preparation
of the slide. So, it is empty in the slide – or it
is a space in the slide
o Node of Ranvier
▪ axon is naked, which allows the jumping of
impulses from one node of Ranvier to another
node. We call it the “saltatory impulse
conduction”. Saltatory from the word
“jumping”. The impulses will jump because of
the Node of Ranvier
o Incisure of Schmidt-Lanterman
▪ In the formation of the myelin, the Schwann
cell membrane will be wrapped around the
axon, making several layers of the myelin
lamellae. But sometimes, the myelin lamellae
will separate – forming or showing an oblique
line traversing the myelin. That oblique line is
identified as Incisure of Schmidt-Lanterman
▪ They will appear as oblique clefts
Using Weigert-Pal stain (which is a staining method specific
for myelin)
o The myelin becomes dark
o The axon is unstained (the one in the center)
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HOW MYELIN IS FORMED: (EXPLANATION OF PICTURE) NERVE
o Group of fibers having the same origin, course,
termination and function will be in the Peripheral
Nervous System (PNS), outside the Brain and Spinal
cord (CNS)
o Examples of Nerve in PNS:
▪ Sciatic Nerve
• Most popular
• The largest nerve
▪ Brachial Nerve
▪ Radial Nerve

STRUCTURE OF A NERVE: NERVE AS AN ORGAN

• Similar to the organization of a tendon or organization of
a muscle and skeletal muscle
• Endoneurium
o Connective tissue surrounding Individual Nerve
Fiber
1. In the beginning, the Schwann cells, the cytoplasm, will
o Individual nerve fiber or axons is surrounded by a
invaginate to enclose the axon (blue)
very thin delicate connective tissue called
2. Cell membrane will now approach each other and will
“Endoneurium”
now completely enclose the axon
o Several nerve fibers with endoneural covering
3. The point of apposition of the cell membrane through the
may be grouped together to form a fascicle.
Schwann cell is marked off as the Mesaxon
4. Several layers of the cell membrane of the Schwann cell • Perineurium
will be wrapped around the axon o Nerve Fascicle
5. In the end, this is now the appearance of the myelin ▪ Group of Nerve Fibers that will form
sheath around the axon Fascicles
▪ These “fascicles” are surrounded by a
• It will look like a jelly roll
connective tissue called “Perineurium”
• Whole: Cross-section of a jelly roll
• Epineurium
• Jelly: for the adhesion of the surfaces of the cake.
o The Entire Nerve [Sciatic Nerve] will be
That would be the myelin lamellae
composed of three or more nerve fascicles which
• The nucleus of the Schwann cell (black) will be the
will be bound into a Group of Fascicles to form
raisin of the jelly roll
the Sciatic Nerve by the Epineurium
• That is why this is known as the jelly roll theory of
o Fascicles will be bound together by areolar
the formation of the myelin
connective tissue.
• Vas nervorum (Plural: Vasa Nervorum)
ORGANIZATION OF NERVE FIBERS
o The nerve is supplied with a Blood vessel called
CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM Vas Nervorum
o “Vas” meaning “vessel”, “Nervorum” meaning
FIBER TRACT “Nerve”
o Group of Nerve fibers have the same origin, the same o “Vessels to a nerve”
course, the same termination, the same function in the o Blood vessel supplying the Nerve
White matter of your Brain and Spinal cord (CNS)
▪ In the Brain and Spinal cord, the axons (nerve
fibers) will be grouped together. Several axons or
nerve fibers having the same origins of nucleus
then coursing on one area and terminating two
specific areas performing one function. We call it a
fiber tract.
▪ Nerve Fiber, An Axon, whether central or
peripheral, you call the Axon as Nerve fiber
o Examples of Fiber Tract in Brain and Spinal cord:
▪ Pyramidal Tract
• The most popular tract
• The great motor tract
• Largest motor tract in the brain and spinal
cord
• This composes of axons coming from the
motor area of the cerebral hemispheres. It
has the same type of neurons. Then it will
terminate to the same area in the spinal
cord
▪ Corticospinal Tract
This is a diagrammatical picture of a nerve. For example, a
sciatic nerve.
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• Fascicles
• Axons (individual fibers of one fascicle)
o It has its own covering known as the myelin
sheath.
• Endoneurium
o On top of this, it will have a thin connective
tissue covering known as endoneurium.
o Covering of nerve fibers with myelin
• Perineurium
o The nerve fascicle will be composed of
many fibers enclosed by a perineurium
(dense connective tissue surrounding a
fascicle)
• Epineurium
o Group of fascicles will be bound together by
the epineurium
o Surrounds the entire nerve forming the
sciatic nerve.
• Blood vessels (Vasa Nervorum)
Slide 14: Cross Section of Sciatic Nerve
Lab Practical Correlation:
• There are 4 fascicles
• Epineurium – loose connective or areolar
connective
• Perineurium
• Endoperineural septum
• Vasa nervorum
• Dense connective tissue surrounding one fascicle
• Myelin sheath – the slide that is empty because
Myelin is Lipid, during the conversion of the slide, it
will dissolve
• Nerve fibers are empty because it is lipoidal, it is
dissolved during the preparation of the slide.
• What you can see is an empty pale structure
(neurilemma) with a pale center (structure seen in
the black circle). The pale center is the axon. Since
neurilemma and the endoneurium cannot be
resolved as two structures with a light microscope. It
LOPEZ. PANOREL. PISCADERO. ROLLENAS. ROMA. SANICO. SO. VERGARA. VILLAROYA
is correct to identify this rounded structure (circled),
either as endoneurium or neurilemma.
• Axon – dot in the middle of the Myelin sheath
• Schwann cell – purple cells/nuclei
NERVE DEGENERATION OF FIBERS
If you cut your Nerve (ex. radial nerve), remember that your
Radial Nerve is very close to your Radial Artery and Vein,
once cut, it will undergo degeneration, it will affect the entire
neuron and also to the next neuron
If your nerve is cut, for example, sciatic nerve, the entire
neuron will respond to the injury.
I. PRIMARY AXON REACTION
• Degeneration observed in the soma of the affected
neuron.
• 1st reaction if you cut your nerve will be the reaction of
the soma
• Changes in primary axon reaction:
1. Swelling of Nerve Cell Body
o Swelling of Soma
2. Displacement of Nucleus
o Nucleus will be located at one side of the cell
o Before, it is Central. After injury, it become
Eccentric (Away from the center)
3. Dissolution of Nissl bodies
o The Nissl bodies will disappear
o Basophilic flakes cannot be appreciated
anymore even with the use of cresyl violet.
II. WALLERIAN DEGENERATION:
• Changes that are observed in the part of the axon
separated from the neurons. That would be from the
point of injury to the synapse.
• This happens to the part of the Nerve separated from
the Soma
• Fate of the Nerve part separated from the Soma
• The one cut out
• Changes in the axon:
1. Swelling and Fragmentation of Axon
o Swelling of the Axon and then it will fragment
2. Liquefaction of Myelin Sheath
3. Removal of Remnants of Axon and Myelin
Sheath
o Schwann cells become phagocytic and will digest
or remove the remnants of the Axon and Myelin
Sheath. But the removal will not be complete so
there will be macrophages from the peripheral
part that will invade the injured axon.
o So, with the dissolution, liquefaction and removal
of the axon and myelin sheath, what will remain
is an empty neurilemmal tube, called “Band
Fiber of Bungner”
o Band Fiber of Bunger significance is to guide the
regenerating axon towards its original
termination. So, there is now restoration of
function.
III. RETROGRADE DEGENERATION:
• Changes that will be seen in the axon that is still
connected to the soma will also undergo
degeneration. So, starting from the point of injury,
there will be changes of the part of the axon, it will
occur in 2-3 nodal segments (Node Ranvier)
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• The part of the Nerve/Fibers still connected to the
Soma will also undergo degeneration [Retrograde
Degeneration] going to the Soma up to 2 or 3 Nodes
of Ranvier/Nodal segments so your Nerve fibers
won’t run out
• Changes of the axon and myelin would be the same
as Wallerian Regeneration. There will be
fragmentation of the axon, liquefaction of the myelin,
the Schwann cells will remove the remnants of the
axon and myelin. Leaving again an empty tube
known as the Band Fiber of Bungner.

REGENERATION
• After a while, the body will try to repair the injury so
there is now regeneration.
• Band Fiber of Bungner (Pronounced Beng-nier)
o Because of the formation of the band fiber of
Bungner, the growing tip of the axon will be
guided by the band fiber towards its original
termination and there is restoration of function.
• After removal of the remnants of the Axon and Myelin,
what’s left is an Empty Neurilemmal Tube/Sheath
called “Band Fiber of Bungner”
• Significance of Empty Neural Tube: The one that will
guide the Growing or Regenerating Axon
• If the cutted edge, if approximated properly, then the
Regenerating Axon will be guided by the Empty tube
to its original termination

In the Central Nervous System, regeneration is quite

impossible so we call it “NIL”. There is no regeneration in
the CNS because there is no formation of the band fiber of
Bungner since the interfascicular glia is not capable of
removing the fragmented axon and the remnants of the
myelin. Even the microglia cannot clear off all the remnants
of the axon and myelin that is why in the injury of the brain
and spinal cord, it will form scar tissue. This will be formed
by the interfascicular glia, and most specifically, the
microglia and the astrocytes. In regeneration, if there is an
injury in nerve fibers, then that would be true in the
Peripheral Nervous System (PNS).

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