[The morphometric characteristics of the neurons of the reticular nuclei in the brain stem in the kitten].

Abstract

In the brain stem of 30-day-old kittens three types of Golgi-stained neurons are distinguished: sparsely branched reticular neurons, densely branched arborescent neurons and multipolar giant neurons (according to the classification by Leontovich). Implication of the new method of computer morphometry permits obtaining formalized characteristics of 23 parameters of the above types of neurons. An analysis of the quantitative characteristics of the studied neurons has revealed statistically significant differences in most parameters. This fact permits advancing a conclusion about morphological identity (stability) of each type of the neurons. Structural differences and similarities in reticular nuclei are discussed with respect to their functional features.