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Interneurons are characterized by dense local axonal arbor which enables them to control and coordinate the activity of large populations of local neurons. Although interneurons comprise only a small proportion of the neuronal population (~10%), they display a high degree of morphological, physiological and neurochemical heterogeneity and can be subdivided into several types. Diversity of these cells is believed to reflect the various functions these neurons play in the circuit.

Basket cells (BCs) are a major type of interneuron. BCs form synapses onto the soma and proximal dendrites of their targets and provide fast and powerful inhibition. They determine if and when their postsynaptic neurons can discharge. They are also believed to play central role in the generation of fast oscillations.

Note the dense axon collaterals in the cell body layer (g.c.l.).

Legend: g.c.l. = granule cell layer, m.l. = molecular layer, hil. = hilus