DENDRITIC SPINE Meaning and
Definition
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A dendritic spine refers to a small, protruding structure found on the branches of dendrites, which are specialized extensions of neurons. These spines are crucial components of the neuron's structure and play a vital role in transmitting and integrating signals within the brain.
Dendritic spines possess a characteristic mushroom-like shape with a bulbous head and a thin neck connecting it to the dendrite. This morphology provides an increased surface area for synaptic connections, allowing the dendrite to receive and process incoming information from other neurons. The spines serve as sites of synaptic plasticity, facilitating the formation, strength, and modification of synaptic connections known as synapses.
These structures are highly dynamic and can undergo changes in their size, shape, and density in response to various environmental factors and neuronal activity. This property of dendritic spines is thought to underlie the brain's ability to adapt and learn, a concept known as synaptic plasticity.
Alterations in dendritic spines have been associated with several neurological disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, autism spectrum disorders, and addiction. Therefore, studying the structure and function of dendritic spines is essential for understanding the mechanisms underlying brain development, plasticity, and various cognitive processes.
Common Misspellings for DENDRITIC SPINE
- sendritic spine
- xendritic spine
- cendritic spine
- fendritic spine
- rendritic spine
- eendritic spine
- dwndritic spine
- dsndritic spine
- ddndritic spine
- drndritic spine
- d4ndritic spine
- d3ndritic spine
- debdritic spine
- demdritic spine
- dejdritic spine
- dehdritic spine
- densritic spine
- denxritic spine
- dencritic spine
- denfritic spine
Etymology of DENDRITIC SPINE
The word "dendritic spine" is derived from two distinct roots: "dendritic" and "spine".
1. Dendritic:
The term "dendritic" originates from the Greek word "dendron", which translates to "tree". In neuroscience, "dendritic" is used to describe structures that resemble the branches of a tree. Dendrites are the branched projections of a neuron, and they receive electrical signals from other neurons.
2. Spine:
The word "spine" has its roots in Latin, specifically the word "spina", which refers to a thorn or a prickle. It has been used throughout history to describe pointed and slender projections. In the context of dendritic spines, "spine" refers to the small protrusions that extend from the dendrites.
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