Density of neurons and synapses in the cerebral cortex of the mouse

Quantitative anatomical investigations provide the basis for functional models. In this study the density of neurons and synapses was measured in three different areas (8, 6, and 17) of the neocortex of the mouse. Both kinds of measurements were made on the same material, embedded in Epon/Araldit. In order to determine the synaptic density per mm3, the proportion of synaptic neuropil was also measured; it was found to be 84%. The cortical volume occupied by cell bodies of neurons and glia cells amounted to 12%, that by blood vessels to 4%.

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