Histology of the Cerebral Cortex

Question 1

Principal cells are known as?

Answer 1

Pyramidal cells

Question 2

What are the cortical layers?

Answer 2

Molecular Layer, 
External Granular Layer,
External Pyramidal Layer,
Internal Granular Layer,
Internal Pyramidal Layer,
Multiform Layer

Question 3

Describe the Molecular Layer of the cortex?

Answer 3

Superficial layer, consists of terminal branches of dendrites and axons.

Question 4

Describe the External Granular layer of the cortex?

Answer 4

Contains small pyramidal cells and interneurons

Question 5

Describe the External Pyramidal Layer of the cortex?

Answer 5

Consists of pyramidal cells, their axons project to other cortical areas as association and commissural fibres

Question 6

Describe the Internal Granular Layer of the cortex?

Answer 6

Dominated by stellate cells although pyramidal cells are also present

Question 7

Describe the Internal Pyramidal Later of the cortex?

Answer 7

Contains pyramidal cells, larger than those in External pyramidal layer.

Question 8

Describe the multiform layer of the cortex?

Answer 8

Contains fusiform cells