Abstrakt
Dendrites extend from cell body of the neuron and are specialized for processing synaptic information. Dentritic arbors assume diverse forms braching in characteristic spatial domains where they receive specific synaptic inputs.
Synaptic inputs occur directly on the shaft of some dendrites, but others have dendritic spines or specialized enlargements that host synapses. These specializations also occur in many diferent forms related to both local connectivity and the need for compartmentalization of molecular signaling.
The use of three-dimensional recontructions from seriál selection electron microscopy (3DEM) has shown that these dendritic synaptic specializations differ widely in dimensions, distribution, and intracellular composition. The shape and composition of dendrites and their synaptic specializations are influenced throughout life by genes, environment learning, memory, and neuropathological conditions.
Therefore, understanding the structure of dendrites is essential to understanding their function.