Which stain demonstrates a component of the peripheral nervous system?

• A. Bodian
• B. Holzer
• C. Bielschowsky
• D. Cresyl echt Violet

Answer: (A)

The ability to visualize components of the peripheral nervous system hinges on choosing a stain that highlights peripheral nerve fibers, especially axons. The Bodian stain uses silver impregnation to darkly stain axons and nerve fibers, making peripheral nerves clearly visible and allowing assessment of their integrity. This direct visualization of axons in peripheral nerves is what makes Bodian the best choice for demonstrating a PNS component.

In contrast, Cresyl echt Violet (Nissl stain) highlights neuronal cell bodies rather than fibers, so it’s more about CNS neurons. Bielschowsky stain also uses silver, but it’s traditionally applied to nerve fibers and neurofibrils in brain/spinal cord tissue, not specifically to peripheral nerves. Holzer stain is another nerve-tissue stain but does not offer the same direct, targeted visualization of peripheral axons as Bodian.