Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramón y Cajal

Camillo Golgi and Santiago Ramón y Cajal

• Golgi developed a tissue staining technique, crucial for visualizing nerve cells.

• In 1873, Golgi used silver nitrate to stain nerve cells, improving visibility under a microscope.

• Golgi supported the reticular theory, believing nerve fibers formed a continuous network.

• Golgi and Cajal shared the Nobel Prize in 1906.

• Golgi was a staunch supporter of the reticular theory even after evidence supporting the neuron doctrine emerged.

Cajal's Work

• Cajal modified Golgi's staining method to better visualize nerve cells in various animals.

• He meticulously documented the brain and nervous systems from diverse species.

• Cajal’s work refuted the reticular theory, proposing the neuron doctrine—nerve cells are discrete and connected through synapses.

• Cajal's detailed drawings were revolutionary, portraying the intricate network of neurons.

• Cajal employed pen and ink to reproduce the structure of the nervous system and brain with almost photographic precision.

Neuron Doctrine

• This theory postulates that nerve cells are discrete units in the nervous system.

• The Neuron doctrine emphasized specific connections between nerve cells.

• These connections happen across small gaps (synapses).

• Synapses are gaps across which electrical and chemical signals travel in the brain.

Significance of Golgi and Cajal's contributions

• Their work fundamentally shifted the model for understanding the structure and function of the nervous system: shifting from a reticular to neuron doctrine model.

• The neuron doctrine, supported and championed by Cajal, paved the way for modern neuroscience.

• Cajal's contributions included extensive and detailed illustrations that helped transmit his research.