Neuronal organization of the reticular nucleus of the thalamus in adult humans.

The neuronal composition of the thalamic reticular nucleus was studied in serial sections of the sagittal and frontal projections impregnated with silver nitrate by the Golgi method. The neuronal composition of the reticular nucleus of the human thalamus was wider than has previously been described in animals and humans. This nucleus, apart from two types of large, sparsely branched, long-dendrite, reticular, aspiny, neurons, i.e., types R1 and R2, contained cells with spines. Intermediate and small, sparsely-branched, short-dendrite neurons and densely-branched cells with spines were demonstrated. The principles of the organization of the reticular nucleus of the human thalamus are described.