Download Printable Version
Microscope images from HistoWeb

Lab 22: Nervous Tissue and Nerves

PURPOSE:
To review the characteristics of nervous tissue and to observe neurons, neuroglial cells and various features of peripheral nerves

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. Describe the general characteristics of nervous tissue
2. Distinguish between neurons and neuroglial cells
3. Identify the major parts of a neuron and a peripheral nerve

PROCEDURE A:
1. Review the Structure of Nervous System, a Neuron and the Types of Neuroglial cells and Nerves in Cpt 8 pages 226-231

2. Print out the figues below, paste figures 22.1 into your Lab Notebook and then label them

3. Complete Part A in your Lab Notebook

PLACE THE HEADING "PART B" ON THE NEXT PAGE. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING WORK GOES UNDER THAT HEADING

NOTE: For the following you may substitute use of the HistoWeb site images for the microscope work. Go to the HistoWeb Nerve site.

4. Obtain a prepared slide of spinal cord smear. Using low power magnification, search the slide and locate the large, deeply stained cell bodies of motor neurons (multipolar neurons)

5. Observe a single neuron under high power, draw it in your NoteBook and label the following features: cell body, nucleus, axons and dendrites. Title this 1. Motor Neuron

6. Obtain a slide of dorsal root ganglia. Search the slide and locate a cluster of sensory neuron cell bodies. You may also note bundles of nerve fibers passing among groups of neuron cell bodies. Sketch and Label this 2. Sensory Neuron Cell Bodies

7. Obtain a prepared slide of neuroglial cells. Search and locate some darkly stained Astrocytes with numerous long, slender processes. Sketch and Label this 3. Neuroglial cells: Astrocytes

8. Obtain a prepared slide of a peripheral nerve. Locate the cross section of the nerve and note the many round nerve fibers inside. Also note the denses layer of connective tissue that encircles the nerve fibers holding them together in a bundle. The individual fibers are surrounded by a layer of more delicate CT. Sketch and Label this 4. Nerve Fiber XS, labeling the following: central axon, myelin, neurolemma

9. Locate a longitudinal section of the peripheral nerve on the slide. Sketch and Label this 5. Nerve Fiber LS, labeling the following: central axon, myelin sheaths, neurolemma, and nodes of Ranvier

10. As you complete the lab, Review the "Lab Objectives" from the handout and write a synopsis of the lab addressing the three objectives.