ISSN:
1432-0568
Keywords:
Cerebral cortex
;
Neurons
;
Lizard
;
Tanycytes
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary An electron microscopic analysis was made of the small-celled part of the mediodorsal cortex of the lizard Agama agama. This cortex consists of four layers: Superficial plexiform layer, cellular layer, deep plexiform layer and fiber layer. In the superficial plexiform layer one type of solitary neuron with smooth dendrites is present. Three types of axon terminals can be observed: terminals with a moderately electron dense matrix packed with spherical vesicles (S1 type), axon terminals with an electron lucent matrix containing fewer spherical synaptic vesicles than the S1 type (S2 type) and axon terminals with an electron lucent matrix and scattered pleomorphic synaptic vesicles (F type). F type axon terminals are larger than S terminals. At the pial surface endfeet of tanycytic processes form a limiting glial layer, contacting one another by means of gap junctions. In the cellular layer perikarya of pyramidal neurons are densely packed. The karyoplasm of these neurons shows either evenly dispersed or discretely clumped chromatin. Spiny dendrites arise from the perikarya and extend into both the superficial and deep plexiform layers. The structure of the deep plexiform layer is roughly similar to that of the superficial plexiform layer. The fiber layer contains the majority of the afferent and efferent axons of the mediodorsal cortex. The axons are myelinated and unmyelinated. Between the fibers, scattered solitary neurons are present, often accompanied by glial cells. The lateral ventricle beneath the fiber layer is lined by a single row of ependymal tanycytes. Tanycytic processes traverse the cortical layers and may form endfeet at the pial surface. Protoplasmic excresenses from some ependymal cells protrude into the ventricle.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00320675
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