lecture 17 Flashcards
what is the cerebral cortex?
thin sheet of neurons and their interconnections
the cerebral cortex is organized into ____ and ____ to ____________?
gyri, sulci, increase the surface area
evoluntionarily, the cerebral cortex has increased in both ____ and ____ due to ____________?
size of hemispheres, area of cerebral cortex, its role in language and abstract thinking
what are the areas of the cerebral cortex?
- paleocortex (old)
- archicortex (begining)
- neocortex (new)
what is encompased by the paleocortex?
some of the base of the telencephalon
what is encompased by the archicortex?
hippocampus
what is encompased by the neocortex?
what can be seen on the outside of the brain - 95% of total cortical area in primates
what are the 2 cell types of the neocortex?
pyramidal cells and non-pyramidal cells
describe pyramidal cells
- most numerous cell type and principal output neuron of neocortex
- named after shape
- have long axons to reach other cortical areas/subcortical areas where they synapse
what are Betz cells?
- giant pyramidal cells in neocortex
- axons can project several feet to the spinal cord
where can Betz cells be found?
corticospinal, corticobulbar and corticothalamic tracts
describe non-pyramidal cells
- granule (stellate) cells
- principle interneurons
- varied shapes
- multipolar
- short axons that remain in the cortex
the neocortex is subdivided into a ___ layered structure?
6
what are the 6 layers?
(1) molecular layer
(2) external granular layer
(3) external pyramidal layer
(4) internal granular layer
(5) internal pyramidal layer
(6) multiform layer
describe the molecular layer
- cell poor layer
- contains axons and dendrites of neurons from deeper layers
describe the external granular layer
projects to other areas of the cortex and is thought to participate in higher cognitive function
describe the external pyramidal layer
projects to other areas of the cortex and is though to participate in higher cognitive function
describe the internal granular layer
receives input from the thalamus
describe the internal pyramidal layer
output layer that sends information from the cortex to the brainstem, spinal cord, and basal ganglia
describe the multiform layer
- made of fusiform shaped, modified pyramidal cells
- projects to the thalamus
what are minicolumns?
cells in the layers of the neocortex line up in columns perpendicular to the sheets of cells
describe how the neurons within minicolums will synapse
what is the result?
they synapse with those in layers above and below, forming a functional unit
are the layers equally prominent throughout the neocortex?
no
describe the distribution of layers throughout the granular neocortex
layers 2-5 are dominated by small granule and pyramidal cells
the lack of what makes the granular cortex look like on continuous layer? provide an example
large pyramidal cells
-e.g. primary sensory areas
describe the distribution of layers throughout the agranular neocortex
- layers 2-5 are dominated by large pyramidal cells
- smaller granule cells appear minor in comparison
provide an example of agranular neocortex
primary motor area
what is the result of the differing size and types of cells across cortical areas?
can see a difference in thickness of the neocortex (1.5-4.5 mm)
what is the thickest cortical area?
precentral gyrus (primary motor area)
what Is the thinnest cortical area?
postcentral gyrus (primary somatosensory area)
what are Brodmann’s areas?
- 52 functionally and organizationally distinct regions of the cortex
- developed by Korbinian Broadman in 1909
what is BA4?
primary motor cortex
where is BA4 located?
anterior wall of central sulcus, tapering the strip of the precentral gyrus
BA4 is the _____ cortex of the brain
thickest
describe the cells of BA4
what do they give rise to?
- contains Betz cells
- these extend to the spinal cord where they synpase on motor neurons
- gives rise to much of the corticospinal tract
what is unique about BA4 cells?
85% of fibers cross to the opposite side of the body
decussation of the pyramids