The blood supply to the central nervous system of Helix pomatia

Abstract

1. Each paired ganglion of Helix pomatia is supplied by symmetrically arranged branches from the anterior aorta. Capillaries from these branches open into a blood space which is adjacent to, and continuous over the surface of the nervous tissue. Blood passes from this space through the epineural sheath into the body cavity sinuses. 2. With the electron microscope three tissue layers are seen separating the blood spaces from the neurons of each ganglion. These are (i) a luminal endothelium, (ii) a fibrous connective tissue layer which is mainly collagen and (iii) glial cells. 3. Both the luminal endothelium and connective tissue are freely permeable to uncharged particles of 100 Å or less. © 1970 Springer-Verlag.