Synaptic connections in the spinal ganglia of the rat

Summary: The ultrastructure of the cervical spinal ganglia in rat was studied by means of transmission electronmicroscope. In 100 ultrathin sections we found 4 axodendrite-like synapses. The authors believe that the presynaptic terminals might come from the sympathetic ganglia, the postsynaptic elements might be the peripheral or central processes of the spinal ganglia. From the viewpoint of functional significance, it seems to us that the axodendrite-like synapses may serve as the morphological basis of presynaptic control of sympathetic nerve over the peripheral primary afferent informations. Key words: spinal ganglia, axodendrite-like synapses, sympathetic nerve, presynaptic control