Cortical Flashcards
How large would the human cortex be if unfolded?
It would cover about 2000 square centimeters (315 square inches), more than three times the size of a standard book cover.
How many layers does the cerebral cortex have, and what are their key features?
The cerebral cortex has six distinct layers, each with unique characteristics.
What is characteristic of Layer I of the cerebral cortex?
Layer I has few cell bodies and is mainly composed of dendrites and axons.
What is found in Layers V and VI of the cerebral cortex?
Layers V and VI contain many neurons with large cell bodies.
Where are pyramidal cells located in the cerebral cortex?
Pyramidal cells are primarily found in layers III and V, and they have pyramid-shaped cell bodies.
How are neurons organized in the cerebral cortex?
Neurons are organized into columns, perpendicular to the cortical layers, acting as information-processing units.
What kind of synaptic connections dominate within cortical columns?
Vertical synaptic interconnections dominate, although horizontal connections also exist.
Why is the columnar organization of the cortex significant?
It suggests a highly structured system for processing information, crucial for understanding complex cognition and behavior.
