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Fine structure of neuronal and glial processes in neuropathology
Author(s) -
Hirano Asao,
Llena Josefina
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
neuropathology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.701
H-Index - 61
eISSN - 1440-1789
pISSN - 0919-6544
DOI - 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2006.00647.x
Subject(s) - gap junction , neuroscience , axon , myelin , biology , neuron , neuroglia , central nervous system , microbiology and biotechnology , intracellular
The cells of the nervous system are characterized by their well‐formed cell processes and by cell‐to‐cell relationships that they form. The neuron reveals essentially cylindrical processes, which form synaptic junctions. On the other hand, the peripheral parts of the glial cells are mainly sheet‐like in nature. Thus, the oligodendroglial cell elaborates many sheet‐like processes, each of which forms a segment of the myelin sheath. Unique cell junction, transverse bands are present at the interface of oligodendroglial processes and the axon. Finally, the astrocytes also form elaborate sheet‐like processes, which separate most of the CNS from the mesodermal tissue as well as surrounding certain neuronal surfaces, including synapses. Punctate adhesions, gap junctions and other adhesive devices are present between astrocytic processes. Defects or anomalies in the neuronal and glial cell processes characterize numerous pathological conditions.