dendriittiverkoston

Dendriittiverkoston, literally 'the dendritic network', is a concept in neuroscience that refers to the interconnected dendritic trees of neurons within a neural circuit and the synaptic connections they host. It emphasizes that dendrites are active sites of computation, not merely passive conduits for signals arriving at the soma.

Structural basis: Dendritic arbors comprise branching processes with numerous dendritic spines that house excitatory synapses; inhibitory inputs often modulate signals along the dendrite. The geometry and passive and active properties of these trees influence how synaptic inputs are integrated in space and time, shaping signal propagation and timing across the network.

Functional properties: Dendrites can generate local nonlinear events, such as NMDA receptor–mediated spikes and calcium spikes, enabling subcellular computations. Backpropagating action potentials and voltage-gated channels allow interaction between distal and proximal inputs, supporting complex integration and plasticity. This distributed processing across the dendritic network contributes to learning and memory by guiding synaptic strength changes on specific branches.

Computational and research perspectives: Modeling approaches that include dendritic compartments provide more realistic descriptions of neuronal processing and learning rules. Empirical studies using two-photon imaging, electrophysiology, and connectomics examine dendritic morphology, spine dynamics, and branch-specific plasticity in vivo.

Clinical relevance: Changes in dendritic structure and spine density have been linked to neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including autism spectrum disorders and Alzheimer's disease, underscoring the importance of the dendriittiverkoston in healthy brain function.