PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM
NERVES – 9
NERVES – 9
Unmyelinated Nerve Fibers in Cross Section
Unmyelinated nerve fibers are usually small in diameter and can be difficult to identify in routine histological sections. Many are associated with the autonomic nervous system.
Because these fibers lack a myelin sheath, they do not produce the characteristic reticulated appearance seen in cross sections of myelinated nerves. Instead, the individual axons are often difficult to distinguish from one another.
The perineurium is clearly visible in this image and is highlighted in blue. Most of the nuclei within the nerve belong to Schwann cells. A few nuclei belong to endothelial cells lining the blood capillaries.
Unmyelinated nerves (cross section). Staining: HE. Medium magnification.
