CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
SPINAL CORD – 4
The gray matter contains neuronal cell bodies (highlighted in green), as well as dendrites and axons.
The white matter consists predominantly of myelinated and unmyelinated axons. Most of these axons run longitudinally along the spinal cord and are therefore seen in cross section in a transverse section of the cord.
The myelinated axons appear to be surrounded by round, empty spaces. These spaces are an artifact of tissue preparation: the myelin sheath surrounding each axon was dissolved during the processing of the tissue. As a result, the axons (highlighted in dark blue) are seen within spaces that were previously occupied by myelin (highlighted in light blue).
SPINAL CORD – 4
The image shows the interface between the gray and white matter of the spinal cord.
The gray matter contains neuronal cell bodies (highlighted in green), as well as dendrites and axons.
The white matter consists predominantly of myelinated and unmyelinated axons. Most of these axons run longitudinally along the spinal cord and are therefore seen in cross section in a transverse section of the cord.
The myelinated axons appear to be surrounded by round, empty spaces. These spaces are an artifact of tissue preparation: the myelin sheath surrounding each axon was dissolved during the processing of the tissue. As a result, the axons (highlighted in dark blue) are seen within spaces that were previously occupied by myelin (highlighted in light blue).
