Practical 1

Question 1

What does the Nissl stain (Cresyl Violet) label?

Answer 1

Areas rich in RNA: nucleus, nucleolus, and rough endoplasmic reticulum (rER).

Question 2

What does the Weigert stain label?

Answer 2

Myelin-rich membranes, including oligodendrocytes, Schwann cells, and axonal tracts.

Question 3

What is the purpose of the Golgi (silver) stain?

Answer 3

To show the full morphology of neurons, including dendritic arbor, somata, and axons.

Question 4

What does GFAP staining identify?

Answer 4

Astrocytes, by targeting glial fibrillary acidic protein (an intermediate filament in their cytoskeleton).

Question 5

What does HLADr staining identify?

Answer 5

Microglia.

Question 6

What is cell filling used for in neurobiology?

Answer 6

To inject dye into a cell and reveal its entire morphology.

Question 7

What are nuclei in CNS cytoarchitecture?

Answer 7

Clusters of neuronal cell bodies, typically found in deep grey matter.

Question 8

What are laminae in CNS cytoarchitecture?

Answer 8

Layers of neuronal cell bodies in the cortex, varying in size, density, and morphology.