Zsuzsa Dárdai
Dendrites of the brain - Our Brains are fractal, with far reaching
branches
After decades of practicing the artistic mapping of dendrite crystals,
I have turned my attention to the artistic editing of dendrites of the
brain, the discovery of the brain’s fractal nature. Concerning its
medical background, my consultant was anaesthetist Dr Márton
Mocskonyi. The word dendrite (branches) is derived from the Greek word
dendron (tree). Dendrites may refer either to extensions of nerve
cells or to crystal formations. Both were named after their
branch-like design. The crystals have been formed by the rules of
physics, the nerve cell extensions have been formed by their function.
I was looking for brain dendrite samples in the internet, that
served as the basis of my artworks. By examining the nerve tissues
that are treated by special techniques through the optical
microscope, wonderful projections are created.
There is a long extension, the axon, which is attached to the body
of the nerve cell along with numerous shorter ones, the dendrites.
The dendrites significantly expand the surface through which the
cell can communicate with other cells. At the beginning of
ontogeny these extensions are formed through the more and more
complicated systems of connections among the cells and are
maintained throughout the life of the individual.
(Neuron - dendrid of Brain, from an unknown recording)
Namely, it is the use which creates the system of „branches” and
in case the transmission of stimuli ends, the system begins to
dwindle. This is the explanation behind the improving capabilities
– both mental and physical – by learning and practice on the one
hand, and the wilt of certain functions due to lack of use, on the
other.
Dendrites can be viewed as the transistors of the computer; they
operate with electric signs. Dendrites receive input from other
neurons and they carry the signs to the body of the cell. If the
neuron is stimulated enough, it emits a potential to act, an
electric impulse which stimulates the other neurons.
(Nerves, from an unknown recording)