Dendritic arborization and axon trajectory of neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of the rat--updated.

Neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (arcuate neurons) were traced on Golgi-impregnated sections. Dendrites of arcuate neurons showed characteristic orientation patterns. Dendrites along the lateral side follow the convex border of the nucleus by running parallel to the tanycyte processes. Neurons located in the ventrolateral portion of the nucleus have dendrites running parallel to the basal surface of the hypothalamus. Fine, beaded axons of arcuate neurons project mostly ventrally, and less frequently dorsally and dorsolaterally. Ventrally projecting axons converge towards the tuberoinfundibular sulcus which emerges into the ventral portion of the arcuate nucleus from below.