Types of synapses contacting the soma of corticotectal cells in the visual cortex of the cat.

Retrograde transport of horseradish peroxidase has been used to single out a distinct functional cortical cell type for ultrastructural study. Following injection of horseradish peroxidase into the superior colliculus, labelled pyramidal cells were found in layer V of the visual cortex. Examination of the labelled corticotectal cells from the visual cortex showed that their cell bodies received two types of synaptic contacts, one from boutons containing spherical vesicles and one from boutons containing flattened vesicles. The possible functional significance of this dual type of input is pointed out.