Ratio of inferior olivary cells to Purkinje cells in a marsupial (Trichosurus vulpecula)

Abstract

An indirect estimate of the extent of branching of the olivary axons in the cerebellum in a marsupial (Trichosurus vulpecula) was carried out. The cells in the inferior olivary nuclear complex (IOC) of both sides were estimated (mean = 57,200), as were the cerebellar Purkinje cells (mean = 881,300). Assuming that all climbing fibers arise from IOC cells and that each Purkinje cell receives a climbing fiber input, each IOC cell sends climbing fiber terminals to 15 Purkinje cells.