Figure 2.

The gecko spinal cord has a consistent histological organization across its length. (A) Schematic representation of the leopard gecko (Eublepharis macularius) in lateral view. The central nervous system is highlighted in white. Vertical lines indicate the location and plane of section of panels (B–E). (B–E) Serial sections of the spinal cord in transverse plane, stained with hematoxylin and Eosin. Note that though the organization remains consistent along the length of the spinal cord, the proportions of grey to white matter and spinal cord diameter vary slightly with position. (B’–E’) The central canal is lined by a pseudostratified layer of ependymal cells. The central canal and ependymal layer exhibit a more ovoid shape cranially, and progressively round caudally. Note the presence of cilia in the lumen of the central canal. Scale bars: (B–E) = 100 µm; (B’–E’) = 25 µm.