Question
A histological section is given below. Identify the marked cells.
| A. | Stellate Cells |
| B. | Basket Cells |
| C. |
Purkinje Cells |
| D. |
Granular Cells |
|
Correct Answer � C Explanation |
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The marked cells are large, flask-shaped neurons located in a distinct single layer between a densely cellular inner layer and a pale outer layer — this is classic for Purkinje cells in the cerebellar cortex.
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Their dendrites project upward into the molecular layer, and axons pass downward into the deep cerebellar nuclei.
Histological Layers of the Cerebellar Cortex:
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Molecular Layer (Outer):
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Sparse cells: stellate and basket cells
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Contains dendritic trees of Purkinje cells and parallel fibers from granule cells
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Purkinje Cell Layer (Middle):
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Single row of large Purkinje cells
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Only output neurons of the cerebellar cortex (inhibitory: GABAergic)
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Granular Layer (Inner):
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Packed with small granule cells
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Axons ascend to molecular layer → bifurcate into parallel fibers
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