GARGOYLE CELL Meaning and
Definition
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A gargoyle cell refers to a specialized type of cell found in the central nervous system (CNS) known for its unique morphology. Its name is derived from its distinctive shape resembling a medieval gargoyle statue, characterized by an elongated and curving structure, often with multiple branches extending from the cell body. Gargoyle cells are primarily observed in higher brain regions, including the cortex, hippocampus, and thalamus.
These cells are typically classified as inhibitory interneurons due to their role in regulating neuronal activity within the CNS. In particular, gargoyle cells function to modulate the communication between other neurons by releasing inhibitory neurotransmitters, such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). By doing so, they play a crucial role in maintaining the balance and fine-tuning the excitation and inhibition within neural circuits, thereby contributing to the overall stability and appropriate processing of neuronal signals.
The highly intricate morphology of gargoyle cells allows them to establish extensive connections with other neurons, enabling them to receive inputs from a broad range of sources and facilitate widespread inhibitory influence on multiple targets. Moreover, gargoyle cells can exhibit distinct firing patterns and exhibit both tonic and phasic inhibition, providing further versatility to their regulatory functions.
Due to their specialized structural and functional characteristics, gargoyle cells have drawn significant attention from neuroscientists exploring the intricate circuitry and mechanisms underlying information processing in the brain. Understanding the properties and roles of gargoyle cells can thus enhance our comprehension of how the CNS orchestrates the dynamic interplay of excitatory and inhibitory signals, and their dysfunction may have implications for neurological disorders involving disrupted inhibitory networks within the brain.
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