Basket cell

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Basket cell

Basket cells (pronunciation: /ˈbaskɪt sɛl/) are a type of GABAergic interneuron found in the brain's cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. They play a crucial role in the regulation of neuronal firing and the synchronization of neuronal activity.

Etymology

The term "basket cell" is derived from the characteristic appearance of these cells. The axons of basket cells form a network around the cell body of the neuron they innervate, resembling a 'basket' around the 'cell'.

Function

Basket cells are inhibitory interneurons that regulate the excitability of other neurons. They release the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which inhibits the activity of the post-synaptic neuron. This helps to control the firing rate of neurons and synchronize neuronal activity, which is essential for many cognitive functions.

Types

There are two main types of basket cells: large basket cells and small basket cells. Large basket cells are found in the molecular layer of the cerebellum and the granule cell layer of the hippocampus. Small basket cells are found in the Purkinje cell layer of the cerebellum and the pyramidal cell layer of the hippocampus.

Related Terms

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