Quantitative analysis of dendritic branching. II. Fundamental dendritic numbers as a tool for the study of neuronal...

The fundamental dendritic numbers [14] were studied in various neuronal groups from different species. Their mean values allow group characterization on a quantitative basis. This allows group comparisons and classification. Four sets of polydendritic neuronal groups are isolated: fewly branched Golgi I groups (A), mainly stemmed Golgi I groups (B), Golgi II groups (C) and highly branched Golgi I groups (D). Numerical interspecific comparisons allow quantitative phylogenetic studies. Only groups of the D set exhibit a significant evolution. Dendritic numbers are an efficient tool for neuronal group studies.