Final answer:
The minor neurovascular bundle refers to a collection of axons, connective tissue layers (epineurium, perineurium, and endoneurium), and blood vessels (vasa nervorum) in the Peripheral Nervous System. These components enable the transmission of neural signals and the nourishment of the nerve fibers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The minor neurovascular bundle is a term used to describe a collection of structures within a nerve, specifically in the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). This bundle typically consists of axons, which are the elongated fibers of neurons that transmit electrical impulses, surrounded by several types of connective tissue, and supplied with nutrients and oxygen by blood vessels. To detail, the outermost layer is called the epineurium, which encapsulates the whole nerve, followed by the perineurium, which surrounds bundles of axons called fascicles. Finally, individual axons are wrapped in a layer of loose connective tissue named the endoneurium.
Besides axons and their connective tissue sheaths, the minor neurovascular bundle contains blood vessels such as the vasa nervorum, which nourish the nerve fibers. Additionally, nerves may contain small amounts of smooth muscle fibers. All these components together allow the nerves to perform their function of transmitting signals to and from the Central Nervous System (CNS).