Walsh & Hoyt: Pathology

Neurons are more vulnerable to oxygen deprivation than are oligodendroglia and astrocytes, whereas microglia and blood vessels are least vulnerable. After an episode of hypoxia, therefore, structural damage may be limited to neurons (selective neuronal necrosis), or it may include glia and blood vessels. In addition, neurons of the phylogenetically older portions of the CNS are more resistant than neurons of the newer portions (selective vulnerability). The gray matter of the spinal cord and most of the brainstem thus may remainun damaged despite almost total destruction of the cerebral cortex. Infarction.