Basal nucleus of Meynert
Juraniec, J.
Folia Morphologica 38(1): 217-226
1979
ISSN/ISBN: 0015-5659 PMID: 118900 Document Number: 152900
Ultrastructure of the basal nucleus of meynert was studied in adult squirrel monkeys (S. sciureus). A specific feature of large cells of the basal nucleus is the high concentration of the dark lysosome-like granules in their perikarya. These cells are oval or multipolar, about 20-40 .mu.m in size. A few to several axon terminals make synaptic contacts with the perikaryon and proximal portions of dendrites. The distal portions of dendrites for considerable distances are completely covered by axon terminals. Types (2) of boutons are distinguished in the basal nucleus. Type 1 which predominates, contains spherical vesicles and establishes asymmetrical synapses with shafts of distal dendrites and their spines. Type 2 makes a small number of axon terminals, contains pleomorphic vesicles and establishes symmetrical synapses with cell bodies and with proximal and distal dendrites. Crest synapses were rarely observed.