Martinotti cell

Martinotti Cell

Martinotti cell (pronunciation: mar-ti-not-ti cell) is a type of interneuron found in the cerebral cortex of the brain. These cells are named after the Italian psychiatrist and neurologist, Giovanni Martinotti, who first described them in the late 19th century.

Etymology

The term "Martinotti cell" is derived from the name of its discoverer, Giovanni Martinotti. The suffix "-cell" is from the Latin cella, meaning a small room, which is a common term used in biology to refer to the basic structural, functional, and biological unit of all known organisms.

Description

Martinotti cells are characterized by their short-axon, which primarily targets the distal dendrites of pyramidal cells. They are known to play a crucial role in the inhibitory regulation of the cortical network. Martinotti cells are also known for their extensive axonal arborization in the superficial layers of the cortex, which allows them to influence a large number of pyramidal cells.

Function

The primary function of Martinotti cells is to provide inhibitory input to the distal dendrites of pyramidal cells. This inhibitory input helps to regulate the activity of the cortical network and prevent overexcitation. Martinotti cells are also involved in the generation of certain types of neuronal oscillations, which are rhythmic or repetitive neural activity in the central nervous system.

Related Terms

• Interneuron
• Cerebral Cortex
• Pyramidal Cell
• Neuronal Oscillation

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Martinotti cell
• Wikipedia's article - Martinotti cell

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