Purkinje cell

Purkinje cell

The Purkinje cell or Purkinje neuron is a type of neuron found in the cerebellar cortex of the brain. Named after the Czech anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně who discovered them, these cells are some of the largest neurons in the human brain.

Structure

Purkinje cells are characterized by a highly elaborate dendritic arbor, filled with a vast number of dendritic spines. These cells are found within the Purkinje layer in the cerebellar cortex. They are aligned like dominos stacked one in front of the other.

Function

Purkinje cells send inhibitory projections to the deep cerebellar nuclei, and constitute the sole output of all motor coordination in the cerebellar cortex.

Clinical significance

Several disorders are known to affect Purkinje cells, including spinocerebellar ataxias, Unverricht-Lundborg disease, and Autism spectrum disorder. Damage to the Purkinje cells can result in loss of coordination and balance, known as ataxia.

History

Purkinje cells were discovered in 1837 by the Czech anatomist Jan Evangelista Purkyně, who was the first to describe these large neurons.

See also

• Neuron
• Cerebellum
• Ataxia

External links

• Purkinje cell at Wikipedia

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