The fine structure of the caudate nucleus of the cat

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Abstract
The fine structure of the caudate nucleus was studied by electron microscopy. Examination of various regions revealed (1) the majority of neurons are small (10–15 μ ) and can be distinguished from larger neurons by the absence of Nissl bodies, (2) synapses occur most often on dendritic spines, and (3) myelinated fibers in the neuropil have a mean diameter of about 630 mμ and occur singly or in small bundles. These observations suggest a functional organization involving predominantly axodendritic synapses. In addition, small diameter, slow‐conducting efferent fibers might explain, in part, the long latency of responses in thalamic, lenticular and entopeduncular elements following caudate stimulation. This is discussed in conjunction with recent physiological findings.

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