[Structuro-functional analysis of identified grape snail neurons]

Abstract

The study of microanatomy of central neurons in Helix pomatia showed that each identified neurone has a constant number of definitely directed processes. The branching pattern of the processes is also specific for each neurone, but in the same cell the number of the branches may vary. It is concluded, that the general morphology of the neurone is its sufficiently stable characteristic and may serve as a criterion for its identification. The possible functional role of different types of the neurone's branchings is discussed. It is suggested that the processes and branches of RPa3 neurone are axones whereas the branches in the form of fine threads are dendrites. It is shown that the neurone with such organization of process branchings play integrative and command functions.