[Light and electron microscope investigation of axons and dendrites in the pars dorsalis of the corpus geniculatum laterale of the albino rat].

1. The neuronal elements of the GLD of the albinorat were investigated by Golgi-Kopsch and Golgi-Rapid methods. Furthermore the terminals of the tractus opticus were investigated by electron microscopy after eye enucleation. 2. The thalamo-cortical relay neurons have dendritic protrusions. These spine-like protrusions are to be found in the terminal parts of the dendrites. In contrast to spines in the pyramidal cells there is no thickening of the terminal part. Few relay cells have grape-like appendages in their branching zone. Only the initial segments of the axons of the P-neurons are visible. There is no evidence of recurrent collaterals. 3. The Golgi-type-2-neurons (interneurons, I-neurons) have less dendrites than the P neurons, but they are longer...