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The nervous system of ctenophores III. Ultrastructure of synapses

  • Published:
Journal of Neurocytology

Summary

The ultrastructure of synapses from the nervous systems of seven species of ctenophores has been studied. All synaptic contacts so far observed show a peculiar organization characteristic of this phylum: the pre-synaptic neurite contains in sequence from the plasma membrane: a row of vesicles lining the synaptic membrane, a sac of endoplasmic reticulum which is connected with the rough reticulum of the neuron, and one or several mitochondria. The arrangement of these closely associated organelles is constant, forming a complex referred to as thepre-synaptic triad.

The pre-synaptic triad is found both in interneural synapses—which may be polarized, symmetrical or reciprocal — and in various neuro-receptor and neuro-effector junctions.

The possible functional implications of these features are discussed.

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  1. Service d'Histologie et Biologie Tissulaire, Université Claude Bernard, 43, Bvd du 11 novembre, 69621, Villeurbanne, France

    Mari-Luz Hernandez-Nicaise

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  1. Mari-Luz Hernandez-Nicaise
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Hernandez-Nicaise, ML. The nervous system of ctenophores III. Ultrastructure of synapses. J Neurocytol 2, 249–263 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01104029

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01104029

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