Quantitative analysis of synapses in the molecular layer of the cerebellum of the cat (a Golgi and electron...

Three investigated parts (superficial, medial and deep) of the cerebellar molecular layer in cat show differences in size, number and shape of the synaptic knobs. In the superficial part the synapses are smaller and more numerous than in the deep part. The proportions between the positive and negative type of synapses changes as well, the latter being more frequent in the deep part. The differences are interpreted by different pattern of dendritic trees of neurons (Purkynĕ, stellate and basket cells) present in this layer, whose arrangement was investigated in Golgi preparations.