Spinal ganglion nerve cells, SEM

Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of four spinal, or dorsal root, ganglion cells (red) that have been grown in culture for 72 hours. A spinal ganglion is a node of nerve cells that is located just outside the spinal cord, along the spinal nerve. These cells are responsible for processing sensory information or for coordinating impulses from other neurons. At upper left is a multipolar glial cell, a non-neural cell of the nervous system that provides physical and functional support to neurons. Across the surface are Schwann cells (grey), which secrete myelin, a fatty substance that insulates nerve fibres. The picture was created as part of a cooperation with Quintessenz Publishing. Magnification: x1,500 when printed at 15cm wide., by EYE OF SCIENCE/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY