Andromeda image

[jerry c]

Some popular images of Andromeda galaxy show a field of bodies around the actual galaxy pic. I'm wondering if these bodies are stars in our galaxy, or distant galaxies. If they're stars in the Milky Way, I would expect to see radiant lines. On the other hand, I don't see any elliptical images that would denote a galaxy. Any clarification for a newby would be appreciated.