Veterinary Microscopic Anatomy (Histology) Lecture

These flashcards cover key vocabulary and concepts from the veterinary microscopic anatomy lecture, helping students review critical terms and their definitions.

Neuron

The main component of the nervous system that transmits impulses.

Neuroglial cells

Support cells in nervous tissue, often referred to as 'glia'.

Myelin sheath

A whitish, noncellular fatty layer that surrounds the axon.

Nissl bodies

Granules found in the cytoplasm of the neuron cell body.

Synapse

Specialized contacts between a presynaptic neuron and a postsynaptic neuron.

Neurotransmitter

Chemicals that neurons use to communicate with each other.

Dendrites

Long processes that extend from the cell body and receive signals.

Axon

The transmitting process of the neuron that sends impulses.

Astrocytes

Star-shaped glial cells that provide support and maintain the environment around neurons.

Oligodendrocytes

Glial cells that form myelin sheaths around axons in the CNS.

Microglia

Small cells in the CNS that act as immune responders.

Ependymal cells

Cells that line the ventricles of the brain and central canal of the spinal cord.

Neurilemma

Cellular layer outside of the myelin sheath.

Schwann cells

Cells that produce myelin in the peripheral nervous system.

Nodes of Ranvier

Interrupted intervals along the myelin sheath.

Epineurium

Sheath of dense connective tissue surrounding a nerve.

Perineurium

Connective tissue that surrounds bundles of nerve fibers.

Endoneurium

Thin layer of loose connective tissue surrounding individual nerve fibers.

Pseudounipolar neurons

Neurons that develop from bipolar neurons; have one process.

Bipolar neurons

Neurons with one axon and one dendrite.

Multipolar neurons

Most common type of neuron with several dendrites and one axon.

L-glutamate

Most prominent excitatory transmitter in the CNS.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)

Most prominent inhibitory neurotransmitter.

Neurotransmitter receptors

Proteins on cell surfaces that bind neurotransmitters.

Keratins

Proteins that aid in the formation of the stratum corneum.

Melanocytes

Cells in the epidermis that produce melanin.

Sebaceous glands

Glands associated with hair follicles that secrete sebum.

Merocrine glands

Type of sweat glands that regulate body temperature.

Apocrine glands

Sweat glands associated with the hair follicles, stimulated by hormones.

Papillary layer

The upper layer of the dermis consisting of loose connective tissue.

Reticular layer

The deeper layer of the dermis made of dense irregular connective tissue.

Lymphatic vessels

Vessels that transport lymph throughout the body.

Lymphocytes

White blood cells that play a critical role in the immune response.

T-Cells

Type of lymphocyte involved in cell-mediated immunity.

B-Cells

Lymphocytes that transform into plasma cells to produce antibodies.

Phagocytosis

The process by which certain cells engulf and digest microorganisms and debris.

Lymph nodes

Filter lymph and trap antigens, initiating an immune response.

Spleen

Organ that filters blood and activates lymphocytes.

Humoral immunity

Immune response involving antibodies produced by B-cells.

Cellular immunity

Immune response involving T-cells that attack infected cells.

Stroma

Supporting connective tissue framework of lymphoid organs.

Mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue (MALT)

Lymphoid tissue situated within mucosal tissues.

Antigen-presenting cells

Cells that present antigens to T-cells, initiating an immune response.

Tanycytes

Specialized ependymal cells lining certain regions of the brain.

Collagen fibers

Structural protein fibers in connective tissue providing strength and support.

Desmosomes

Cell structures that function as adhesion between cells.

Lymphatic fluid

Clear fluid that circulates in the lymphatic system, aiding in immunity.

Holocrine secretion

Type of secretion where entire cells disintegrate to release their contents.

Cutaneous layer

The skin, which comprises the epidermis and dermis.

Perivascular feet

Extensions from astrocytes that interact with blood vessels.

Capsule of the spleen

Connective tissue enclosing the spleen.

Thymus

Primary lymphoid organ where T-cells mature.

Reticulin fibers

Type of connective tissue fibers that form the framework of lymphoid organs.

Lactiferous sinus

Duct system in the mammary gland where milk accumulates.