Arborization

/ˌɑːrbəraɪˈzeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The process of becoming tree-like in structure; the branching pattern or tree-like arrangement seen in neurons, blood vessels, or plant structures.

Etymology

From arborize + -ation (suffix denoting a process or result). Arborize comes from arbor (tree) + -ize (to cause to become or resemble). The -ation suffix is from Latin.

Kelly Says

When neurologists see the branching patterns of neurons under a microscope, they call it 'dendritic arborization'—your brain's 86 billion neurons literally look like forests under magnification, which is why we named their branches 'dendrites' (Greek for trees).

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