Light and electron microscopic studies on the caudate nucleus of the dog with special reference to the classification of nerve cells and to the subsurface cistern.
The distribution and classification of the nerve cells in the head, body and tail of the nucleus caudatus of the dog were investigated by light microscopy, fluorescence histochemistry and electron microscopy. A small neuron, a large pale neuron and a large dark neuron were identified submicroscopically in the caudate nucleus. Special attention was given to the differentiation between the dark neuron and the glia. The subsurface cistern could be easily recognized in the nerve cells but was never found in the glia. Its presence might be used as a criterion in the identification of a neuron. Goniometric observation was carried out to determine the three-dimensional configuration of the subsurface cistern. The structure of subsurface cistern was shown to be discoid and not tubular. The physiological role of the subsurface cistern was briefly discussed.
D000818:Animals; D002421:Caudate Nucleus / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D004285:Dogs / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure