spine density

Spine density refers to the number of tiny protrusions called dendritic spines on a neuron’s dendrites. These spines are crucial because they serve as the contact points for connections, called synapses, where neurons communicate. Higher spine density generally indicates more potential connections, which can enhance information processing and brain plasticity. Changes in spine density are linked to learning, memory, and various neurological conditions. Overall, spine density provides insight into how richly connected and adaptable a neuron is within neural networks.