Purkinje cell

[ per-kin-jee ]

noun

, Biology.

1. a large, densely branching neuron in the cerebellar cortex of the brain.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Purkinje cell¹

First recorded in 1885–90; Purkinje fiber

Example Sentences

Degeneration of Purkinje cells is associated with various neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and cerebellar ataxia, a condition that affects muscle movement.

From Science Daily

This increase is primarily driven by specific subtypes of Purkinje cells that are generated first during development and likely communicate with neocortical areas involved in cognitive functions in the mature brain.

From Science Daily

In Cajal’s eyes, the Purkinje cell stained with the black reaction resembled the “most elegant and leafy tree.”

From Scientific American

The metalwork forming the dendrites of the Purkinje cells incorporates letters from the Korean alphabet, a nod to Lee’s personal history.

From Scientific American

First, as with reward-driven learning, for some motor skills, cerebellar Purkinje cells contribute selectively to new motor learning and not to performing older motor skills15,16.

From Nature