Ultrastructure of the mouse superior cervical ganglion, with particular reference to the pre‐ and postganglionic elements covering the soma of its principal neurons

Abstract

Abstract Electron microscopy of superior cervical ganglia of the mouse shows both pre‐ and postganglionic elements impinging upon the soma of principal neurons. The preganglionic cholinergic axon terminals are estimated to cover about 0.7% of the total surface area of the neuronal soma and are characterized by dense packing of synaptic vesicles which remain unchanged after the administration of 5‐hydroxydopamine. Postganglionic elements are estimated to cover about 1.8% of the total surface of the neuronal soma. In many cases they contain small granular vesicles (with or without agranular reticulum), and are considered to be represented in part by vesiculated segments of the dendrite and in part by recurrent axon collaterals of the principal neuron. These postganglionic elements usually make puncta adhaerentes, but occasionally an efferent synapse, on the soma of principal neurons in the ganglion. Evidence is presented which suggests that the soma, in turn, is capable of influencing the perisomal, postganglionic elements through a somatic efferent synapse.