Betz Cell

Cellula gigantopyramidalis

A subtype of layer V pyramidal neuron in primary motor cortex, among the largest neurons in the human central nervous system, with a soma up to 100 µm across.

Function

Project directly onto spinal motoneurons to produce fine, dexterous voluntary movements of the hands and digits. Their monosynaptic corticomotoneuronal pathway is a hallmark of primates.

Morphology

A massive pyramidal cell body in layer V of the primary motor cortex, with a thick apical dendrite ascending to layer I and a long axon descending through the internal capsule and pyramidal tract to the spinal cord.

Specification

  • Neurotransmitter: Glutamate
  • Receptors: AMPA; NMDA
  • Location: Layer V of the primary motor cortex (Brodmann area 4).
  • Projections: Spinal cord (Anterior horn)
  • Firing: Fast-conducting; Bursting
  • Markers: BCL11B/CTIP2; FEZF2; SMI-32 (non-phosphorylated neurofilament); NEFH (identity also needs M1 layer-V morphology/location)
  • Developmental origin: Pallium
  • Disease: Degenerate in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Betz cell loss is an early and characteristic feature of the disease's upper-motor-neuron component.
  • Cell Ontology: CL:0008049

References

  1. Udaka F, Kameyama M, & Tomonaga M (1986). Degeneration of Betz cells in motor neuron disease. A Golgi study.. Acta Neuropathol 70: 289–295 PMID 2429495
  2. Betz V (1874). Anatomischer Nachweis zweier Gehirncentra.. Centralblatt für die Medicinischen Wissenschaften 12: 578–580, 595–599

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