Basket cells

Basket cells are a type of interneuron found in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, regions of the brain that play key roles in memory, attention, perception, and consciousness. Named for their basket-like appearance, these cells are characterized by their dense, basket-weave network of axonal processes that envelop the cell bodies of the neurons they synapse with.

Function

Basket cells are inhibitory interneurons, meaning they regulate the activity of other neurons by releasing inhibitory neurotransmitters, primarily gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). By inhibiting the activity of their target neurons, basket cells play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of excitation and inhibition in the brain, a balance that is essential for normal brain function.

Types of Basket Cells

There are two main types of basket cells: large basket cells and small basket cells. Large basket cells have a wide axonal arbor that can encompass many neurons, while small basket cells have a more restricted axonal arbor.

Clinical Significance

Abnormalities in basket cells have been implicated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and epilepsy. For example, post-mortem studies have found a decrease in the number of basket cells in the brains of individuals with schizophrenia and autism.

See Also

• Interneuron
• GABAergic
• Neurotransmitter
• Neuron