Vol 61, No 4 (2002)
Original article
Published online: 2002-08-29
The neuronal structure of the inferior colliculus in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) - Golgi and Nissl studies
Folia Morphol 2002;61(4):299-304.
Abstract
The inferior colliculus (IC) of the bank vole is made up of 3 nuclei: the external and
pericentral nucleus, which are located on the outer border of the IC, and the
central nucleus, which is the largest part of IC and shows a laminated structure.
On the basis of various morphological criteria 5 types of neurons have been distinguished
in the bank vole IC: 1. The rounded cells (perikarya 10-15 µm) with 2–4
primary dendritic trunks. The dendritic tree has a spindle-like shape. The axon
emerges from the soma or from the proximal portion of a dendrite. 2. The fusiform
neurons (17-20 µm) with 2 primary dendrites arising from both poles of the
perikaryon. The dendritic tree has the same shape as the previous type. The axon
originates from the proximal dendritic trunk. The rounded and fusiform cells constitute
the main neuronal type. 3. The pear-shaped neurons (10–13 µm) with 2
main stems or rarely 1. The axon emerges from the perikaryon or seldom from
the dendritic trunk. 4. The multipolar cells (18–23 µm), which have from 4 to 6
primary dendrites radiating in all directions. The dendritic tree has a spherical
shape. The axon emerges either from the proximal stem or directly from the
soma. 5. The triangular neurons (15–18 µm) with 3 primary dendritic trunks.
The axon originates from the perikaryon. The triangular cells are the least numerous.
All types of neurons in the bank vole IC bear spines and protrusions.
Keywords: inferior colliculustypes of neuronsbank vole