Histology of the Cerebrum

Question 1

What is the function of the cerebrum?

Answer 1

Processes information
- controlling conscious movements
- communication
- memory

Question 2

How many gray matter layers does the cerebrum have?

Answer 2

6

Question 3

Describe the 1st cerebrum layer?

Answer 3

• Outer molecular layer
• Very acellular
• Mostly fibers travelling parallel to surface

Question 4

Describe the 3rd Layer (External pyramidal layer)?

Answer 4

• Characterized by small & medium to large sized pyramidal cells
• Cells with large oval-round nuclei and prominent nucleolus
  > Axon extends from base of triangle to white matter
  > Dendrite extends from point of triangle

Question 5

Describe the 2nd Layer (External granular layer)?

Answer 5

Cant really distinguish
But it is between 1st (outer molecular) and 3rd (external pyramidal)
Few small pyramidal cells and many very small granule cells (interneurons with small & rounded cell bodies)
Some granule cells are also sensory cells
Numerous neuroglial cells

Question 6

Describe 5th Layer (Internal pyramidal layer/ganglionic layer)?

Answer 6

Large pyramidal cells (Giant Betz cells in motor cortex)

Question 7

Describe the 4th Layer (Internal granular layer)?

Answer 7

Again cant really distinguish
Layer above internal pyramidal
Has few pyramidal cells and stellate cells (interneurons with star-shaped cell bodies)

Question 8

Describe the 6th Layer (multiform/polymorphic) layer?

Answer 8

Below internal pyramidal layer with cells of many shapes such as spindle (fusiform) shaped cells