autonomic ganglion, cortical granules, from which part the nervous system derives from,
peroxisomes, nucleus, nucleolus
Dorsal Root Ganglion (Description of the Slide):
The slide of the dorsal root ganglion would show a cluster of cell bodies of sensory neurons.
The ganglion appears as an oval-shaped structure.
The cells within the ganglion are typically arranged in a close-packed manner.
The slide may exhibit a variety of staining techniques to highlight different cellular
components or structures, such as the Nissl staining method for visualizing cell bodies.
Differences between Dorsal Root Ganglion and Autonomic Ganglion: Dorsal Root Ganglion:
Located along the dorsal root of each spinal nerve.
Composed of sensory neuron cell bodies.
Involved in transmitting sensory information from the periphery to the central nervous
system.
Autonomic Ganglion:
Located in various locations throughout the body, often near or within target organs.
Composed of autonomic neuron cell bodies.
Involved in regulating involuntary functions of the body, such as heart rate, digestion, and
glandular secretions.
Cortical Granules:
Cortical granules are small secretory vesicles found in the cytoplasm of oocytes (immature
egg cells) and early embryos.
They are involved in the process of cortical reaction, which occurs during fertilization and
helps prevent polyspermy (fusion with multiple sperm).
Cortical granules release their contents into the extracellular space, creating a fertilization
envelope that blocks the entry of additional sperm.
Derivation of the Nervous System:
The nervous system derives from the ectoderm during embryonic development.
The neural plate, a thickened region of the ectoderm, gives rise to the neural tube, which
develops into the brain and spinal cord.
The neural crest cells, which arise from the neural tube, contribute to the formation of
various components of the peripheral nervous system, including the sensory ganglia,
autonomic ganglia, and peripheral nerves.
, The slide shows a dorsal root ganglion (DRG) with an external capsule made of connective
tissue (CT) and an ovoid shape.
The image is taken at 4x magnification, providing an overview of the DRG.
, Another image at 10x magnification shows the staining with toluidine blue, which helps
visualize the myelin conformation.
Neurons in the DRG exhibit different shapes.
The slide also shows the termination of the peripheral nerve.
The highlighted neuron appears to be connected to a large axon, indicated by its size and
prominent nucleus and nucleolus.
A smaller neuron, with its nucleus, nucleolus, and satellite cells, is also observed.
The satellite cells form a ring around the neuron but may not always be visible depending on
the slide cut.
Unmyelinated fibers and vessels in the connective tissue can be spotted in the image.
The higher magnification (40x) reveals the nuclei of Schwann cells, which produce the
myelin sheath.
During the exam, it may be necessary to describe the difference between autonomic and
sensory neurons, explain the structures of neurons (nucleus, nucleolus), discuss the
basophilic appearance of the nucleolus and variation in neuron sizes, distinguish satellite
cells, explain how toluidine blue staining reveals myelin, define Nissl bodies as
accumulations of rough endoplasmic reticulum, and differentiate between perineurium,
epineurium, and endoneurium when describing nerves.
Sample: ureter Intercellular junctions Adipose tissue Mitochondria 1st week of embryology
1. Ureter: The ureter is a tubular structure composed of smooth muscle layers that
facilitate the transport of urine from the kidneys to the urinary bladder. The slide
may reveal the histological features of the ureter, such as the arrangement of
smooth muscle fibers, the presence of transitional epithelium, and the presence of
mucosal folds.
2. Intercellular Junctions: Intercellular junctions are specialized structures that allow
cells to interact and communicate with each other. Tight junctions form a seal
between adjacent cells, preventing the leakage of urine and solutes across the
epithelial lining of the ureter. Adherens junctions provide mechanical support and
help cells adhere to each other. Desmosomes offer additional structural support,
particularly in areas of mechanical stress. Gap junctions allow for the passage of
small molecules and ions between cells, enabling coordinated cell signaling.
3. Adipose Tissue: Adipose tissue, also known as fat tissue, surrounds the ureter in the
connective tissue layer. It consists of adipocytes, which store energy in the form of
triglycerides. Adipose tissue provides cushioning and insulation for the ureter,
helping to protect and support its function.
4. Mitochondria: Mitochondria are organelles present in the cells of the ureter's
epithelial lining. They are responsible for producing ATP through cellular respiration,
which fuels various cellular processes, including the active transport of ions and
solutes across the ureter's epithelium. The presence of numerous mitochondria in