Cross section
Ronald A. Bergman, Ph.D., Adel K. Afifi, M.D., Paul M. Heidger,
Jr., Ph.D.
Peer Review Status: Externally Peer Reviewed
A. Human, 10% formalin, H. & E., 435 x.
B. Frog, glutaraldehyde-osmium fixation, toluidine blue stain, 1416
x.
This plate shows some of the histological features of neuromuscular spindles as seen in the human tongue (A) and frog sartorius (B). Note that the neuromuscular spindle is surrounded by skeletal muscle fibers (extrafusal fibers). Each spindle contains several small muscle fibers (the intrafusal fibers), myelinated nerve fibers enclosed within a connective tissue capsule, which is pierced by the nerve fibers reaching the spindle. Nerve fibers of the spindle are both sensory and motor. Information conveyed from and to the muscle spindle is not consciously received but is important in reflex regulation of muscle tone. Intrafusal muscle fibers of the spindle receive axons of the gamma motor neurons in the spinal cord, whereas the extrafusal muscle fibers receive axons of the larger alpha motor neurons. See Plates 120 and 121.
Next Page | Previous Page | Section Top | Title Page
Please send us comments by filling out our Comment Form.
All contents copyright © 1995-2024 the Author(s) and Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. All rights reserved.
"Anatomy Atlases", the Anatomy Atlases logo, and "A digital library of anatomy information" are all Trademarks of Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D.
Anatomy Atlases is funded in whole by Michael P. D'Alessandro, M.D. Advertising is not accepted.
Your personal information remains confidential and is not sold, leased, or given to any third party be they reliable or not.
The information contained in Anatomy Atlases is not a substitute for the medical care and advice of your physician. There may be variations in treatment that your physician may recommend based on individual facts and circumstances.
URL: http://www.anatomyatlases.org/