Introduction to Muscle Tissues



Skeletal Muscle


Compare slides 69 & 73 (conventional paraffin preparation) and 6 (a 1 µm plastic section). Slide 69 has good examples of skeletal muscle in longitudinal and cross section, and shows:
  • peripheral nuclei
  • striations of the muscle in longitudinal presentation
  • terminations of muscle fibres onto tendons
  • numerous myelinated nerve bundles
  • moderate microvasculature

Slide 6 has excellent striations in the muscles of the tongue. The staining and size differences of white, red and intermediate fibres are also readily apparant.



FYI : White Muscle Disease



As an option, slide 70 shows skeletal muscle from a lamb with selenium deficiency, known as white muscle disease. Many muscle fibres have died and are being removed by macrophages. Various stages of necrosis and removal can be observed.

Return to modules On to cardiac muscle

When you cross a Bloodhound with a Labrador you get:  Blabador, a dog that barks incessantly!