NERVES – 5
As mentioned on the previous page, all or almost all of the fibers that make up this nerve are myelinated fibers.
Observe that the interior of each fiber shows a large “empty” space, corresponding to the myelin that was dissolved during the preparation of this slide.
The “empty” region of each nerve fiber, which “in vivo” contained myelin, is highlighted in light blue when you hover the cursor over or click on the image.
Observe inside almost all nerve fibers of the image a small, heavily stained circle: this is the axon sectioned transversely, that becomes highlighted in dark blue when using the cursor. The axon should be approximately in the center of the myelin sheath, but in many cases it became shifted during tissue preparation.
Further examining the nerve fibers, notice a thin, heavily stained band that delimits each fiber: this is the cytoplasm of the cell that surrounds the axons. In the peripheral nervous system, this function is performed by Schwann cells, which surround the axon. This sheath is highlighted in yellow.
Nerve (cross section). Staining: HE. High magnification.
