Skip to main content

Neuronal and Synaptic Architecture of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus

  • Chapter
Visual Centers in the Brain

Part of the book series: Handbook of Sensory Physiology ((1536,volume 7 / 3 / 3 B))

Abstract

Although dealing primarily with structure, this review does not aim at giving a complete anatomical picture of the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN). As a part of a “Handbook of Sensory Physiology” this chapter will be concerned specifically with the anatomical data that have some immediate bearing on the understanding of functions. Projections in the visual system have been separated from other aspects of anatomy, partly with respect to their crucial importance, and partly from consideration of the fact that they can be studied today more readily and precisely by physiological methods (see Chapters 19 of this volume by D. Whitteridge). Thus we will be concerned here mainly with the following aspects of LGN structure: gross arrangement and lamination, cell types and their processes, types of axons of extraneous source and their modes of arborization, synaptic structure, and — finally — with an attempt at developing a synthetic concept of the neuron circuitry.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Andersen, P., Eccles, J.C., Sears, T.A.: The ventro-basal complex of the thalamus: Types of cells, their responses and their functional organization. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 174, 370–399 (1964).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ball, T. V., Portugalov, V.V., Shkolnik-Yarros, E.G.: On the structural and histochemical characteristics of the lateral geniculate body in monkeys. Zh. vyssh. nerv. Deyat. Pavlova 14, 707–713 (1964). (Russian, English summary.)

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beresford, W.A.: A Nauta and Gallocyanin study of the corticolateral geniculate projection in the cat and monkey. J. Hirnforsch. 5, 210–228 (1962).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bishop, P.O., Kozak, W., Levick, W.R., Vakkur, G.J.: The determination of the projection of the visual field on to the lateral geniculate nucleus in the cat. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 163, 503–539 (1962).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bodian, D.: Introductory survey of neurons. Cold Spr. Harb. Symp. quant. Biol. 17, 1–13 (1952).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bruesch, R.R., Arey, L.B.: The number of myelinated and unmyelinated fibers in the optic nerve of vertebrates. J. comp. Neurol. 77, 631–665 (1942).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burke, W., Sefton, A.J.: Inhibitory mechanisms in lateral geniculate nucleus of rat. J. Physiol. (Lond.) 187, 231–246 (1966).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cajal, S. Ramón Y: Histologie du Système Nerveux de l’Homme et des Vertébrés, Vol. 2. Paris: Maloine 1911.

    Google Scholar 

  • Cajal, S. Ramón Y: Die Neuronenlehre. In: Bumke, O., Foerster, O.: (Hrsg.): Handbuch der Neurologie, Bd. I. pp. 887–994. Berlin: Springer 1935.

    Google Scholar 

  • Campos-Ortega, J. A., Glees, P.: The termination of ipsilateral and contralateral optic fibers in the lateral geniculate body of Galago crassicaudatus. J. comp. Neurol. 279–284 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Chang, Hsiang-Tung, Cheng Tse-Htjei: An analysis of fibre constitution of optic tract of cat. Scientia Sinica 10, 538–556 (1961).

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, W.E. LeGros: The laminar organization and cell content of the lateral geniculate body in the monkey. J. Anat. 75, 419–433 (1941a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Clark, W.E. LeGros: The lateral geniculate body in the platyrrhine monkey. J. Anat. 76, 131–140 (1941b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Colonnier, M.: The tangential organization of the visual cortex. J. Anat. 98, 327–344 (1964).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Colonnier, M., Guillery, R.W.: Synaptic organization in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the monkey. Z. Zellforsch. 62, 333–355 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doty, R.W., Glickstein, M., Calvin, W.H.: Lamination of the lateral geniculate nucleus in the squirrel monkey, Saimiri sciureus. J. comp. Neurol. 127, 335–340 (1966).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Eccles, J.C., Ito, M., Szentágothai, J.: The Cerebellum as a Neuronal Machine. Berlin-Heidelberg-New York: Springer 1967.

    Google Scholar 

  • Famiglietti, E.V.: Dendro-dendritic synapses in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. Brain Res. 20, 181–191 (1970).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Flechsig, P. von: Weitere Mitteilungen über den Stabkranz des menschlichen Gehirns. Neurol. Centralbl. 15, 2–4 (1896).

    Google Scholar 

  • Garey, L.J., Powell, T.P.S.: The projection of the lateral geniculate nucleus on the cortex in the cat. Proc. roy. Soc. B 169, 107–126 (1967).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Garey, L.J., Powell, T.P.S.: The projection of the retina in the cat. J. Anat. 102, 189–222 (1968).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillery, R.W.: A study of Golgi preparations from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the adult cat. J. comp. Neurol. 128, 21–50 (1966).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillery, R.W.: Patterns of fiber degeneration in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat following lesions in the visual cortex. J. comp. Neurol. 130, 197–222 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillery, R.W.: The organization of synaptic interconnections in the laminae of the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. Z. Zellforsch. 96 1–38 (1969a).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillery, R.W.: A quantitative study of synaptic interconnections in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. Z. Zellforsch. 96, 39–48 (1969b).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guillery, R.W.: The laminar distribution of retinal fibers in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat: A new interpretation. J. comp. Neurol. 138, 339–368 (1970).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Guillery, R.W.: Colonnier, M.: Synaptic patterns in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the monkey. Z. Zellforsch. 103, 90–108 (1970).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Guillery, R.W., Kaas, J. H.: A study of normal and congenitally abnormal retinogeniculate projections in cats. J. comp. Neurol. 143, 73–100 (1971).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayhow, W.R.: The cytoarchitecture of the lateral geniculate body in the cat in relation to the distribution of crossed and uncrossed optic fibers. J. comp. Neurol. 110, 1–63 (1958).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hayhow, W.R., Sefton, A., Webb, C: Primary optic centers of the rat in relation to the terminal distribution of the crossed and uncrossed optic nerve fibers. J. comp. Neurol. 118, 295–308 (1962).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Holländer, H.: Autoradiographic evidence for a projection from the striate cortex to the dorsal part of the lateral geniculate nucleus in the cat. Brain Res. 41, 464–465 (1972).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, A. E.: The lateral geniculate nucleus of Ateles ater. J. comp. Neurol. 123, 205–210 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, E. G., Powell, T. P. S.: Electron microscopy of synaptic glomeruli in the thalamic relay nuclei of the cat. Proc. roy. Soc. B 172, 153–171 (1969a).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jones, E. G., Powell, T. P. S.: An electron microscopic study of the mode of termination of cortico-thalamic fibers within the sensory relay nuclei of the thalamus. Proc. roy. Soc. B 172, 173–185 (1969b).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Karlsson, U.: Three-dimensional studies of neurons in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the rat. III. Specialized neuronal contacts in the neuropil. J. Ultrastruct. Res. 17, 137–157 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Laties, A.M., Sprague, J.M.: The projection of optic fibers to the visual centres in the cat. J. comp. Neurol. 127, 35–70 (1966).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McIlwain, J., Creutzfeldt, O.D.: A microelectrode study of synaptic excitation and inhibition in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. J. Neurophysiol. 30, 1–22 (1967).

    Google Scholar 

  • Minkowski, M.: Experimentelle Untersuchungen über die Beziehungen der Großhirnrinde und Netzhaut zu den primären optischen Zentren, besonders zum Corpus geniculatum externum. Arb. Hirnanat. Inst. Zürich 7, 259–362 (1913).

    Google Scholar 

  • Minkowski, M.: Über den Verlauf, die Endigung und die zentrale Repräsentation von gekreuzten Sehnervenfasern bei einigen Säugetieren und beim Menschen. Schweiz. Arch. Neurol. Psychiat. 6, 201–252 (1920).

    Google Scholar 

  • Montero, V.M., Brugge, J.F., Beitel, R.E.: Relation of the visual field to the lateral geniculate body of the albino rat. J. Neurophysiol. 31, 221–236 (1968).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Montero, V.M., Guillery, R. W.: Degeneration in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of the rat following interruption of the retinal or cortical connections. J. comp. Neurol. 134, 211–242 (1968).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morest, D.K.: Dendrodendritic synapses of cells that have axons: The fine structure of the Golgi type II cell in the medial geniculate body of the cat. Z. Anat. Entwickl.-Gesch. 133, 216–246 (1971).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Nauta, W.J.H., Bucher, V.M.: Efferent connections of the striate cortex in the albino rat. J. comp. Neurol. 100, 257–281 (1954).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • O’Leary, J.L.: A structural analysis of the lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. J. comp. Neurol. 73, 405–430 (1940).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pasik, P., Pasik, T., Hamori, J., Szentágothai, J.: Golgi type II interneurons in the neuronal circuit of the monkey lateral geniculate nucleus. Exp. Brain Res. (1973): in the press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Pecci-Saavedra, J., Vaccarezza, O.L.: Synaptic organization of the glomerular complexes in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the Cebus monkey. Brain Res. 8, 389–393 (1968).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Peters, A., Palay, S.L.: The morphology of laminae A and A1 of the dorsal nucleus of the lateral geniculate body of the cat. J. Anat. 100, 451–486 (1966).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Probst, M.: Über den Verlauf der zentralen Sehfasern (Rinden-Sehhügelfasern) und deren Endigung im Zwischen und Mittelhirn und über die Associations- und Commissuralenfasern der Sehsphäre. Arch. Psychiat. 35, 22–43 (1902).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rall, W.: Dendritic neuron theory and dendro-dendritic synapses in a simple cortical system. In: Schmitt, F.O. (Ed.): The Neurosciences Second Study Program, pp. 552–566. New York, Rockefeller University Press 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Rall, W., Shepherd, G. M., Reese, T. S., Brightman, M.W.: Dendro-dendritic synaptic pathway for inhibition in the olfactory bulb. Exp. Neurol. 14, 44–56 (1966).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ramon-Moliner, E., Nauta, W.J.H.: The isodendritic core of the brain stem. J. Comp. Neur. 126, 311–335 (1966).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rioch, McKenzie David: Studies on the diencephalon of Carnivora Part. I. The nuclear configuration of the thalamus, epithalamus, and hypothalamus of the dog and cat. J. comp. Neurol. 49, 1–119 (1929).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rose, J., Malis, L.I.: Geniculo-striate connections in the rabbit. II. Cytoarchitectonic structure of the striate region and of the dorsal lateral geniculate body. Organization of the geniculo-striate projections. J. comp. Neurol. 125, 121–140 (1965).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanderson, K. J.: Visual field projection columns and magnification factors in the lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. Exp. Brain Res. 13, 159–177 (1971).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanderson, K. J., Bishop, P. O., Darian-Smith, I.: The properties of the binocular fields of lateral geniculate nucleus. Exp. Brain Res. 13, 178–207 (1971).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sanderson, K. J., Kaas, J.H., Guillery, R.W.: Abnormal retinogeniculate and geniculocortical projection in the albino allelomorphic series of mammals. 2nd Annual Meeting of the Society for Neuroscience; Houston, Texas, Oct. 8–11 (1972).

    Google Scholar 

  • Shkolnik-Yarros, E. G.: The structure of visual analyzer and colour vision. Arh. Anat. Gisztol. Embriol. 42, 12–30 (1962). (Russian, English summary.)

    Google Scholar 

  • Singer, W., Creutzfeldt, O. D.: Reciprocal lateral inhibition of on- and off-centre neurons in the lateral geniculate body of the cat. Exp. Brain Res. 10, 311–330 (1970).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Smith, Jeanne, M., O’Leary, J. L., Harris, A. B., Gay, A. J.: Ultrastructural features of the lateral geniculate nucleus of the cat. J. comp. Neurol. 123, 357–378 (1964).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Suzuki, H., Kato, E.: Binocular interaction at cat’s lateral geniculate body. J. Neurophysiol. 29, 909–920 (1966).

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Szentagothai, J.: An attempt at a “natural systematization” of nervous elements. Magy. Tud. Akad. Orv. Oszt. Közl. 3, 265–412 (1952). Hung.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: Anatomical aspects of junctional transformation. In: Gebard, R.W., Duyff, J.W. (Eds.): Information Processing in the Nervous System, Vol. 3, pp. 119–136. Proceedings of the International Union of Physiological Sciences XXII, International Congress Leiden 1962. Amsterdam: Excerpta Med. Congress Sr. 49, 1964.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: The structure of the synapse in the lateral geniculate body. Acta Anat. 55, 166–185 (1963).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: The use of degeneration methods in the investigation of short neuronal connections. In: Singer, M., Schadé, J.P. (Eds.): Degeneration Patterns in the Nervous System, pp. 1–32. Progress in Brain Research, Vol. 14. Amsterdam-London-New York: Elsevier 1965.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: New Anatomical concept of the brain stem. In: Juhász, P. et al. (Eds.): Clinical Experiences in Brain Stem Disorders, pp. 15–28, Acta 25. Conventus Neuropsychiatrici et EEG Hungarici Budapestini MCMLXVI. Budapest: Ifjusági Lapkiadó 1966.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: Growth of the Nervous system. In: Growth of the Nervous System, pp. 3–12. Eds. G. E. W. Wolstenholme and Maeve O’Connor. A Ciba Foundation Symposium. London: Churchill 1968a.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: Neuron networks and network models. (Inaugural Lecture) MTA Biol. Oszt. Közl. 11, 61–71 (1968b). Hung.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: Synaptic structure and the concept of presynaptic inhibition. In: Structure and Function of Inhibitory Neuronal Mechanisms, pp. 15–31. Eds. v. Euler, C., Skoglund, S. and Söderberg, U. Oxford: Pergamon Press 1968c.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J.: Glomerular synapses, complex synaptic arrangements, and their operational significance. In: The Neurosciences, Second Study Program, pp. 427–443. Ed. in Chief F. O. Schmitt. New York, Rockefeller University Press 1970.

    Google Scholar 

  • Szentágothai, J., Hámori, J., Tömböl, Therese: Degeneration and electron microscope analysis of the synaptic glomeruli in the lateral geniculate body. Exp. Brain Res. 2, 283–301 (1966).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Talbot, S.A., Marshall, W.H.: Physiological studies on neural mechanisms of visual localisations and discrimination. Amer. J. Ophthal. 24, 1255–1263 (1941).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tello, F.: Disposición macroscopica y estructura del cuerpo geniculado externo. Trabajos del Laboratorio de Investigaciones Biologicas de la Universidad de Madrid 3, 39–62 (1904).

    Google Scholar 

  • Thuma, B.D.: Studies on the diencephalon of the cat. 1. Cytoarchitecture of the corpus geniculatum laterale. J. Comp. Neur. 46, 173–200 (1928).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Tömböl, Therese: Short neurons and their synaptic relations in the specific thalamic nuclei. Brain Res. 3, 307–326 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Tömböl, Therese: Terminal arborizations in specific afferents in the specific thalamic nuclei. Acta morph. Acad. Sci. hung. 17, 273–284 (1969a).

    Google Scholar 

  • Tömböl, Therese: Two types of short axon (Golgi 2nd) interneurons in the specific thalamic nuclei. Acta morph. Acad. Sci. hung. 17, 285–297 (1969b).

    Google Scholar 

  • Uchizono, K.: Characteristics of excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the central nervous system of the cat. Nature (Lond.) 207, 642–643 (1965).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Uchizono, K.: Synaptic organisation of the Purkinje cells in the cerebellum of the cat. Exp. Brain Res. 4, 97–113 (1967).

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Editor information

Richard Jung

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1973 Springer-Verlag, Berlin · Heidelberg

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Szentágothai, J. (1973). Neuronal and Synaptic Architecture of the Lateral Geniculate Nucleus. In: Jung, R. (eds) Visual Centers in the Brain. Handbook of Sensory Physiology, vol 7 / 3 / 3 B. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65495-4_5

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-65495-4_5

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-65497-8

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-65495-4

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics