The correct spelling of the term "basket cells" is pronounced as ['bæskɪt sɛls]. The word "basket" is spelled as "b-a-s-k-e-t," and it refers to the basket-like appearance of the terminals of these cells, which are located in the cerebellum. The word "cells" is spelled as "c-e-l-l-s", which is used to denote the functional unit of an organism. Therefore, the term "basket cells" refers to a specific type of nerve cells that are found in the cerebellum and contribute to regulating motor function.
Basket cells are a type of specialized inhibitory interneurons found in the central nervous system (CNS) of mammals, including humans. They are primarily located in the cerebral cortex, particularly the neocortex, where they play a crucial role in modulating the activity of excitatory neurons. Basket cells derive their name from their distinctive appearance, characterized by an intricate branching network of axons that surrounds the cell bodies of nearby neurons, resembling a woven basket.
Functionally, basket cells are responsible for regulating the excitability of neuronal circuits in the cortex. They achieve this through the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an inhibitory neurotransmitter. By targeting the soma and proximal dendrites of neighboring neurons, basket cells exert a powerful inhibitory control over their activity, effectively controlling the flow of information within the cortical network. This modulation plays a vital role in maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition, as well as coordinating and synchronizing neuronal activity.
The involvement of basket cells is particularly significant in processes such as synaptic plasticity, sensory processing, and cognitive functions, including memory and attention. Dysregulation or dysfunction of basket cells has been associated with various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders.
In summary, basket cells are specialized inhibitory interneurons found in the cerebral cortex that play a crucial role in regulating the activity of excitatory neurons through the release of inhibitory neurotransmitters. They form intricate interconnected networks and contribute to the fine-tuning of neural circuits, influencing various cognitive processes and maintaining the balance between excitation and inhibition.
The word "basket cells" in English has its etymology in the Latin word "baskula" or "bascauda", meaning "a container or a deep dish". This Latin term evolved into Old French as "bascoin" and then Middle English as "basket" in the 14th century. The word "cells" in this context refers to a type of cell found in the nervous system, and it originated from the Latin word "cella", meaning "small room" or "cell". Therefore, "basket cells" refers to a specific type of cells with a morphology resembling a basket-like structure, a term coined based on their appearance in the nervous system.