The optic tectum of the carp: pyramidal neurons of the SFGS

We have studied the stratum fibrosum et griseum superficiale (SFGS) of the carp optic tectum with optic and electron microscopy. This stratum is a dense neuropil with disordered appearance, in which numerous neuronal bodies of different characteristics and variable distribution according to the tectal regions are intercalated, more abundant in the dorsomedial zones of the tectum. Within these neuronal types, the most characteristic of SFGS are the large pyramidals of vertical development. Such neurons shows an ascendant dendritic shaft, very developed in the stratum marginale, a thinner dendritic shaft in the basal pole and a descending axon that reaches the internal zones of the stratum griseum centrale. Glial elements are highly associated to the pyramidal neuron bodies. The synaptic contacts are abundant and of various types, specially on the spinous dendritic branches which lie in the stratum marginale.