Spiny stellate neuron

Neuron stellatum spinosum

Definition

IMAIOS

A spiny stellate neuron is a type of excitatory interneuron found primarily in the sensory cortex, especially in layer IV of the primary somatosensory cortex. These neurons are characterized by:

  • A star-shaped (stellate) cell body with multiple dendrites radiating outward.

  • The presence of dendritic spines, which are small protrusions where excitatory synapses typically form.

  • The use of glutamate as their primary neurotransmitter, making them excitatory.

  • Their role in receiving thalamocortical input and distributing it to other cortical neurons, especially pyramidal cells.

These neurons are essential for processing sensory information relayed from the thalamus and distributing it efficiently within the cortex.

References

Feldmeyer D, Lübke J, Sakmann B. Efficacy and connectivity of intracolumnar pairs of layer 2/3 pyramidal cells in the barrel cortex of juvenile rats. J Physiol. 2006;575(2):583–602.

Douglas RJ, Martin KA. Neuronal circuits of the neocortex. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2004;27:419–451.

DeFelipe J, Fariñas I. The pyramidal neuron of the cerebral cortex: morphological and chemical characteristics of the synaptic inputs. Prog Neurobiol. 1992;39(6):563–607.