Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
07:14
A Comparative Approach for Quantitative Cell Counting Studies in Widely Different Mammalian Brains
Published on: January 16, 2026
Counting neurons is not as easy as 'one-two, three'
Neurogastroenterology and Motility
|April 30, 2013
Summary
Aging mice maintain colonic myenteric ganglion cells, challenging previous findings on age-related neuron loss. This study highlights variables impacting neuronal counts and survival in aging animals.
Area of Science:
- Neurogastroenterology
- Neuroscience
- Aging research
Background:
- Accurate neuronal counts in the bowel are crucial for understanding neurodegenerative conditions and establishing population norms.
- Age-related loss of myenteric ganglion cells has been previously observed in various mammals.
Discussion:
- Gamage et al. present evidence suggesting colonic myenteric ganglion cells are maintained in aged mice, contrasting prior observations.
- This discrepancy necessitates a review of factors influencing the accuracy of neuronal quantification.
- Investigating the survival of neuronal populations in aging animals is critical.
Key Insights:
- Colonic myenteric ganglion cells may be preserved in aged mice, contrary to some existing literature.
- The study underscores the importance of methodological variables in neuronal counting.
- Understanding neuronal population dynamics during aging is essential for neurological health.
Outlook:
- Further research is needed to reconcile conflicting findings on neuronal aging in the gut.
- Standardizing methods for neuronal counting will improve reliability in neurodegenerative disease research.
- This work contributes to the broader understanding of aging and the enteric nervous system.
Related Concept Videos
01:25Neural Circuits
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
01:19The Role of Ion Channels in Neuronal Computation
A postsynaptic neuron usually receives numerous impulses from several other presynaptic neurons. The axon hillock of the postsynaptic neuron integrates all these signals and determines the likelihood of firing an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
Sometimes a single EPSP is strong enough to induce an action potential in the postsynaptic neuron. However, multiple presynaptic inputs must often create EPSPs around the same time for the postsynaptic neuron to be sufficiently depolarized to fire an action potential.
01:19Nervous Tissue: Neuron Types
Neurons, the fundamental units of the nervous system, can be classified based on both their structural and functional characteristics.
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons, on the other hand, have one primary dendrite and one axon. They are...
Structurally, neurons are categorized into three main types: multipolar, bipolar, and unipolar (or pseudounipolar). Multipolar neurons, which are the most common type in the brain and spinal cord, as well as all motor neurons, possess multiple dendrites and a single axon.
Bipolar neurons, on the other hand, have one primary dendrite and one axon. They are...
01:21Neurons: The Axon
Axons are long, cytoplasmic processes of nerve cells capable of propagating electrical impulses known as action potentials. The cytoplasm or axoplasm of an axon contains neurofibrils, neurotubules, small vesicles, lysosomes, mitochondria, and various enzymes, all encased within the axolemma, the plasma membrane of the axon.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
The axon attaches to the cell body at a cone-shaped elevation called the axon hillock. The initial part of the axon, closest to the hillock, is known as the initial segment.
01:31Neuron Structure
Overview
01:30Neuron Structure
Neurons are the main type of cell in the nervous system that generate and transmit electrochemical signals. They primarily communicate with each other using neurotransmitters at specific junctions called synapses. Neurons come in many shapes that often relate to their function, but most share three main structures: an axon and dendrites that extend out from a cell body.
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...
Structure and Function of Neurons
The neuronal cell body—the soma— houses the nucleus and organelles vital to cellular...