Motor Neuron Diorama

Magnified more than 2500 times and fully three-dimensional, this neuron model is depicted in its natural setting. With the membranous envelope cut away, the cytological ultrastructure, organelles and inclusions within the cell body are depicted in contrasting colors.

A section of the axon lifts off to expose the enveloping myelin sheath and neuro-lemma, as well as the Schwann cell that formed them. Dendrites of the neuron extend into the background, and synaptic vesicles carrying neurotransmitters can be seen via a cutaway view. 54 features are identified in an illustrated key.

1. Nucleus
2. Nucleolus
3. Cytoplasm
4. Lysosome
5. Vesicles (emerge from Golgi & ER)
6. Golgi apparatus of Golgi complex
7. Mitochondria
8. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Nissl body (rough ER has polyribosomes on it)
9. Nerve bers
10. Axon hillock (cone-shaped base of axon)
11. Axon
12. Dendrite
13. Schwann cell cytoplasm
14. Node of Ranvier
15. Cytoplasm of axon (axoplasm) includes: neuro laments, microtubules, vesicles and mitochondria
16. Axolemma
17. Schwann cell nucleus
18. Schmidt-Lanterman cleft
19. Myelin sheath (wrapping portion with no cytoplasm)