Anatomy

Neuropil Threads

Abnormal structures located chiefly in distal dendrites and, along with NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLES and SENILE PLAQUES, constitute the three morphological hallmarks of ALZHEIMER DISEASE. Neuropil threads are made up of straight and paired helical filaments which consist of abnormally phosphorylated microtubule-associated tau proteins. It has been suggested that the threads have a major role in the cognitive impairment seen in Alzheimer disease.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

Abnormal structures located chiefly in distal dendrites and, along with NEUROFIBRILLARY TANGLES and SENILE PLAQUES, constitute the three morphological hallmarks of ALZHEIMER DISEASE. Neuropil threads are made up of straight and paired helical filaments which consist of abnormally phosphorylated microtubule-associated tau proteins. It has been suggested that the threads have a major role in the cognitive impairment seen in Alzheimer disease.

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Classification

Broader headings

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Neuropil Thread

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

15 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings chemistry, classification, drug effects, enzymology, genetics, immunology, metabolism, microbiology, parasitology, pathology, physiology, radiation effects, transplantation, ultrastructure, virology.

MeSH Record

Indexing Annotation

do not confuse with NEUROPIL, a "felt" of interwoven neuronal components & neuroglia

MeSH Record

History Note

98

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Numbers

  1. A08w.637w.500w.550
  2. A08w.675w.703w.550
  3. A11w.284w.430w.214w.190.750w.602w.620
  4. A11w.650w.500w.550
  5. A11w.671w.685w.550

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Neuropil Threads. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D019600. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D019600
  2. Neuropil Threads. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q70090636