BASKET CELL Meaning and
Definition
-
A basket cell is a type of inhibitory interneuron found in the central nervous system, particularly in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus regions of the brain. These cells are named after their distinctive appearance, as their axonal arborizations resemble a basket structure around the soma (cell body) of nearby neurons.
Basket cells play a crucial role in regulating and modulating neural activity within the brain. They provide inhibitory inputs to a large number of target neurons, making them important regulators of the excitation-inhibition balance. By releasing the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), basket cells exert a suppressing effect on their target cells, reducing their firing rates and preventing excessive excitatory activity.
The extensive axonal arborization of basket cells allows them to integrate information from a wide range of neurons, both excitatory and inhibitory. This extensive connectivity allows basket cells to coordinate and synchronize the activity of nearby populations of neurons, contributing to the generation and maintenance of network oscillations.
Studies have revealed that basket cells exhibit considerable diversity in terms of their molecular properties and connectivity patterns, highlighting their involvement in various brain functions and brain disorders. Dysfunction or altered activity of basket cells has been implicated in neurological conditions such as epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism.
In summary, basket cells are specialized inhibitory interneurons that exert a powerful inhibitory control on neural activity in the brain. Their characteristic morphology and extensive connectivity enable them to regulate and synchronize the behavior of other neurons, contributing to the overall function and balance of neural networks.
-
A neuron the fibrils of whose axis-cylinder form a network surrounding the body of another cell.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BASKET CELL
- vasket cell
- nasket cell
- hasket cell
- gasket cell
- bzsket cell
- bssket cell
- bwsket cell
- bqsket cell
- baaket cell
- bazket cell
- baxket cell
- badket cell
- baeket cell
- bawket cell
- basjet cell
- basmet cell
- baslet cell
- basoet cell
- basiet cell
- baskwt cell
Etymology of BASKET CELL
The term "basket cell" in neuroscience refers to a type of inhibitory neuron found in the brain. The etymology of the word "basket cell" can be traced back to the appearance of the neuron under a microscope.
When stained with a specific dye, the branches and processes of these neurons resemble a woven basket. This characteristic appearance gives them the name "basket cells". It is derived from the resemblance of their intricate synaptic connections to the intersecting weaving pattern of a traditional basket.
The term was first coined by the Italian histologist Camillo Golgi in the late 19th century, who made extensive observations of the brain's cellular structure using a staining technique known as the Golgi stain. Since then, the term "basket cell" has been widely used within the field of neuroscience to describe this specific type of inhibitory neuron.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
