dendritisen

Dendritisen is a term used in some languages to refer to dendritic structures, most commonly in neuroscience and immunology. In neurons, dendritisen or dendrites are the branched processes that extend from the cell body and receive synaptic inputs from other neurons. They form a dendritic tree whose branching pattern, length, and density of dendritic spines influence how signals are integrated and how plasticity occurs. Dendritic spines—small membranous protrusions at synapses—are dynamic and can change shape and number in response to activity, supporting learning and memory.

In the immune system, dendritisen can denote dendritic cells, a family of professional antigen-presenting cells. Dendritic cells patrol tissues, capture antigens, and migrate to lymph nodes to present processed antigens to T cells. They provide critical co-stimulatory signals and cytokines that guide adaptive immune responses. Major subsets include conventional (myeloid) dendritic cells and plasmacytoid dendritic cells, each with distinct origins, surface markers, and functions.

Because of their branched morphology, both neuronal dendrites and dendritic cells maximize surface area for interactions, though their roles differ: neurons process and transmit information, whereas dendritic cells initiate immune responses and maintain tolerance. Research methods include microscopy and imaging for morphology, electrophysiology for neuronal signaling, and flow cytometry or transcriptomics for immunophenotyping.

Pathologies involving dendritisen structures include neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders where dendritic arborization and spine density are altered, and immune disorders where dendritic cell function is compromised or exploited by pathogens and cancers.