Tangential distribution analysis

Purpose

Tangential Distribution analysis is used to obtain data about length and distribution in virtual/anatomical regions.

How it works

In Neurolucida or Neurolucida 360, draw a closed contour in the XY plane around the neuron you want to analyze. The contour's Z coordinate doesn't matter.

In Neurolucida Explorer, the contour is treated as a 3D volume divided into equal size analysis bins. The volume's depth is infinite in Z. The bins are generated along the long axis of the contour, or along the X or Y axis.

Procedure

  1. Select the contour, cell body, and trees.

  2. Select Tangential Distribution analysis from the Anatomical dropdown menu on the Analyze ribbon to open the Tangential Distribution Analysis window.

  3. Select the branched structure type to analyze and click Display to open the Tangential Distribution Information window.

  4. In the Tangential Distribution Information window, adjust and select settings as desired:

    • Bin Size: Length of the bin.

    • Bin Orientation:

      • Center First Bin About Soma: If checked, the first bin is centered at the center point of the cell body; if unchecked, the first bin is based on the contour.

      • Automatic Orientation With Contour: The bins are created along the long axis of the closed contour. Width Modifications is enabled.

      • Bins Parallel to X/Y-axis: The bins are arranged along the specified axis.

    • Width Modifications: Check Process Multiple Widths and adjust settings.

  5. Click OK

Analysis results

Start: Beginning of the bin.

End:  End of the bin.

Length:  Length of the trees within a given bin.

Percent:  Percentage of all the trees in a given bin.

Reference

Bender, K. J., Rangel, J., & Feldman, D. E. (2003). Development of Columnar Topography in the Excitatory Layer 4 to Layer 2/3 Projection in Rat Barrel Cortex. The Journal of Neuroscience : The Official Journal of the Society for Neuroscience, 23(25), 8759–8770.