Scanning Electron Microscopy of Cerebellar Cortex

In a clear exposition this inspirational book shows the in situ three-dimensional morphology of cerebellar neurons, intracortical circuits and synaptic connections that underpin the functioning of cerebellar neurons in networks. It brings together in one volume a new view of the three-dimensional cytoarchitectonic arrangement of the cerebellar cortex.

The book shows the cerebellar extrinsic and intrinsic intracortical circuits formed by mossy and climbing fibers as exposed by the cryofracture methods. The high degree of lateral collateralization of these fibers is also displayed providing new insights on the information processing in the cerebellar cortex. Besides, field emission high resolution electron microscopy shows its potential contribution to the study of synaptic morphology. The concluding chapter deals with the contribution of scanning electron microscopy to cerebellar neurobiology.

This monograph is an authoritative survey and a must for anyone who is interested in the structure of the central nervous system. It will also appeal to an interdisciplinary audience who wants to learn more about electron microscopy and neurocytology.

I: Sample Preparation Methods for Scanning Electron Microscopy. Introduction. Conventional SEM technique or slicing technique. Fixation procedures. The prefixation state of nerve tissue. Vascular perfusion fixation technique. Criteria for good fixation and optimal preservation of nerve tissue. Trimming procedure and obtaining nerve tissue slices. Dehydration. Critical point drying (CPD) method. Specimen mounting and orientation. Metal deposition. Special SEM preparation techniques. Concluding remarks. II: The Cerebellar White Matter. Brief history. The afferent and efferent fibers. Concluding remarks.