Medium Spiny Neurons

**Definition:** Medium sized, inhibitory GABAergic neurons in the CORPUS STRIATUM with highly developed dendritic trees. They are divided into neurons expressing DOPAMINE D1 RECEPTORS which project preferentially to the SUBSTANTIA NIGRA PARS RETICULATA and neurons expressing DOPAMINE D2 RECEPTORS which project preferentially to the lateral part of the GLOBUS PALLIDUS. Medium spiny neurons are preferentially lost in HUNTINGTON DISEASE.

**Tree numbers:** - A08.675.289.500 - A08.675.650.535 - A11.671.285.500 - A11.671.650.535

**Synonyms:** - Striatal Medium-Sized Spiny Neurons