Intermediate
Technical
IVT
dendritic spine
Small protrusions from dendrites that receive synaptic inputs and can change shape in response to activity.
Full Definition
Dendritic spines are microscopic protrusions extending from neuronal dendrites that serve as the primary sites of excitatory synaptic transmission. These structures can rapidly change their morphology in response to synaptic activity, making them crucial for learning and memory processes. Spine density and morphology are altered in various neurological and psychiatric conditions, making them important targets for research and therapeutic intervention.
Usage
Usage note: Avoid confusion with dendritic branches, which are larger structural divisions of dendrites.
In Context
- "The research paper documented significant changes in dendritic spine density following chronic stress exposure." — Research manuscript
- "Confocal microscopy revealed altered dendritic spine morphology in the hippocampal neurons." — Laboratory report
Also known as
spine
postsynaptic spine
Don't confuse with
dendritic branch
axon terminal