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Dendritic spines are micron-sized protuberances of neuronal membrane that receive and initially process most of the excitatory signals transmitted in the brain. Since first described by the great neuroanatomist, Santiago Ramon y Cajal, over a century ago, dendritic spines have been a popular source of conjecture in the field of neuroscience. Many hypotheses have been offered to explain their function, from increasing the surface area available for synaptic contacts, to controlling the intracellular diffusion of signaling molecules, to providing a means for neurons to connect with their neighbors in the densely-packed environment of the brain. Perhaps the best-supported of these hypotheses is that dendritic spines enable learning and memory through the discrete, local management of synaptic input. Each dendritic spine contains a special complement of proteins which not only transduce synaptic signals, but which adapt to signal activity and determine synaptic efficacy. These adaptations can affect the expression or function of neurotransmitter receptors, the localization of signaling proteins within the dendritic spine, even the dendritic spine size and shape. In turn, these changes can affect the sensitivity of the dendritic spine to subsequent synaptic signals and so are believed to be an important means of recording memories in the brain.

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What is the meaning of leaves reduced to spines?

Cacti have spines. Evolutionary theory is that the spines were originally leaves, but which reduced in size and form to carry out a new function, as spines, to protect the plant from predators. According to the same theory the stem of the plant became the gas exchange and the 'chlorophyll-containing' 'photosynthesis' part of the plant, thus replacing the functions formerly carried out by and through the leaves.


What layer consists of melanin granules and dendritic cells?

These are found in the basal layer of the dermis. There are two types of the pigment melanin: eumelanin, a group of dark brown (almost black) melanins and peomelanin, a group of reddish and orange melanins.


What are some examples of modified leaves and how do they differ from regular leaves?

Some examples of modified leaves include tendrils, spines, and storage leaves. Modified leaves differ from regular leaves in their structure and function. Tendrils are thin and flexible, used for climbing and support. Spines are sharp and protective, deterring herbivores. Storage leaves are thick and fleshy, storing water and nutrients for the plant.


Are Macrophages and Dendritic cell the same?

Both macrophages and dendritic cells are formed from the same precursor cell, the monocytes. However, the two cells serve different functions during an infection. Macrophages remain in the area of the infection and phagocytosis (engulf) foreign invaders and dead cells. Dendritic cells leave the infected tissue and travel to local lymph tissue in order to alert the adaptive immune system.


How do dendritic cells activate T cells in the immune response?

Dendritic cells activate T cells in the immune response by presenting antigens to the T cells. This interaction triggers the T cells to become activated and initiate an immune response against the specific antigen.

Related Questions

What initial occurrence causes dendritic spines to change shape and how do they change shape and how does this change relate to or yield memory?

Dendritic spines change shape due to an excess expression of acidic calponin in hippocampal nuerons. This causes the dendritic spines to enlongate or even shrink to the point of no longer there. It is thought that dendritic spine changes effect memory. It is hypothesized that actin cytoskeleton is responsible for the process of dentritic spines to begin changing shape.


Dendrites are branching extensions of?

neurons that receive signals from other neurons and transmit them to the cell body. They are covered in dendritic spines, where synapses with other neurons are formed.


What are the parts of neuron and its function?

The three main parts of a neuron are the soma (cell body), the axons, the long trailing output of a neuron and the dendrite or dendritic tree. Almost all neurons have axons, but not all axons have a dendritic tree.


What are the parts and function of neuron?

The three main parts of a neuron are the soma (cell body), the axons, the long trailing output of a neuron and the dendrite or dendritic tree. Almost all neurons have axons, but not all axons have a dendritic tree.


Which structures pertain to neurons?

Synapses, dendrites, dendritic spines (bumps on dendrites where synapses are often found), dendritic arbors (tree-like projections of dendrites), somas (body of neuron), axon hillocks (where a summation of input impulses may initiate an action potential or spike), axons, myelin sheaths (on myelinated axons), and axon terminals (containing vesicles of neurotransmitters).


Is the Rio Grande a Trellis pattern or Dendritic drainage pattern?

Dendritic


Is the yenisey river a trellis or dendritic?

i'm not sure. I think it's a dendritic pattern


What is the function of the spines in a sea star?

The spines on the oral surface are softer and bend to cover the mouth of the starfish as well as the ambulacral grooves. They are basically for protection.


Which river has largest drainage pattern in India?

Dendritic pattern


How do you spell dendritic?

The word is spelled dendritic, just as you spelled it. The word means relating to or resembling a dendrite.


Are supportive calcium carbonate or silicon dioxide spines?

Supportive spines made of calcium carbonate are typically found in organisms like sea urchins, while silicon dioxide spines are more commonly seen in diatoms and certain plant species. Calcium carbonate spines provide structural support and protection, while silicon dioxide spines can act as both a protective barrier and as a mechanism for nutrient uptake. Both types of spines play important roles in the survival and function of the organisms that possess them.


Is the amur river trellis drainage or dendritic drainage?

The Amur River features dendritic drainage. This pattern of river system resembles the branching of tree roots and is common in areas with homogenous rock structures, where water flows in a branching pattern towards lower elevations.