Examine a section of spinal cord. Identify the central gray matter, containing motor neurons, “interneurons”, the central canal lined by ependymal cells, and the outer white matter, consisting largely of myelinated fiber tracts. Locate the following:

• Spinal Cord
• White Matter
• Neuropil
• Gray Matter
• Neuron Cell Bodies
• Nissl Substance (Rough ER)
• Glial cell nuclei
• Dorsal Horns
• Ventral Horns
• Central Canal
• Ependymal Cell

What are the major types of glial cells in the spinal cord and where are they located?

How are the appearances of white and gray matter different in the myelin-stained and the H&E stained slides?

Indicate three functions of the cells present in the ependyma.
 

Clinical note: The CNS is subject to various diseases in which there is destruction of the myelin sheaths, such as multiple sclerosis (MS). The functions and body regions affected by MS depend on where in the CNS the focal areas of demyelination occur. Weakness and paralysis of one or more limbs are common sequelae of this disease.

Cerebrum and Cerebellum.