Purkinje cell

noun

Pur·​kin·​je cell (ˌ)pər-ˈkin-jē- 

: any of numerous nerve cells that occupy the middle layer of the cerebellar cortex and are characterized by a large globose body with massive dendrites directed outward and a single slender axon directed inward

Word History

Etymology

Jan Purkinje

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Purkinje cell

noun

: any of numerous nerve cells that occupy the middle layer of the cerebellar cortex and are characterized by a large globe-shaped body with massive dendrites directed outward and a single slender axon directed inward

called also Purkinje neuron