The metric analysis of three-dimensional dendritic tree patterns: a methodological review.

Metric analysis methods used to study neuronal arborizations are reviewed and discussed. The analysis methods considered are those examining the spatial orientation and density of the whole dendritic field of a neuron, the metrics of dendritic segments and the bifurcation angles. General variables indicating the size of the soma and the dendritic field are indicated. In addition, the instrumentation used for providing 3-dimensional data for metric analyses and the shrinkage of Golgi-stained neurons are discussed.