Cerebellar granule cell

Cerebellar Granule Cell

File:Cerebellar granule cell.jpg

A cerebellar granule cell, as seen in a microscopic view.

The Cerebellar Granule Cell is a type of neuron that is found in the cerebellum, a part of the brain that plays a vital role in motor control. These cells are the smallest and most numerous neurons in the human brain, with estimates suggesting there are more cerebellar granule cells than all other brain neurons combined.

Structure

Cerebellar granule cells have a distinctive structure, characterized by a small, round cell body from which four to five dendrites extend. These dendrites branch out in a T-shape and form synapses with the incoming fibers known as mossy fibers. The axons of these cells ascend into the molecular layer of the cerebellum where they bifurcate, forming parallel fibers.

Function

The primary function of cerebellar granule cells is to receive and transmit information from the cerebellum to other areas of the brain. They receive input from the mossy fibers, which carry information from various parts of the brain and spinal cord, and send output to the Purkinje cells, the primary output neurons of the cerebellum.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the structure or function of cerebellar granule cells have been implicated in several neurological disorders, including ataxia, autism, and schizophrenia. Research is ongoing to further understand the role of these cells in these conditions and to develop potential treatments.

See Also

• Neuron
• Cerebellum
• Purkinje cells
• Mossy fibers

External Links

• Cerebellar Granule Cells at the US National Library of Medicine Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)

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