schaffer collateral
Pronunciation: SHAF-er col-LAT-er-al
Axonal projections from hippocampal CA3 pyramidal neurons that synapse onto CA1 pyramidal neurons, forming a major hippocampal circuit.
Full Definition
Schaffer collaterals are the axonal branches of CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus that project to and synapse with CA1 pyramidal neurons. These projections form one of the most studied synapses in neuroscience and are crucial for hippocampal information processing and memory formation. The Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapse is a classic model for studying synaptic plasticity, including long-term potentiation and depression. Named after the Hungarian anatomist Károly Schaffer, these pathways are essential for the trisynaptic circuit of the hippocampus and are vulnerable to ischemic damage.
Usage
Usage note: Named after Hungarian anatomist Károly Schaffer.
In Context
- "Long-term potentiation was induced at Schaffer collateral synapses using high-frequency stimulation." — Electrophysiology study
- "Ischemic damage preferentially affects the Schaffer collateral pathway in the hippocampus." — Stroke research paper