Organization of Cerebral Cortex

Question 1

Give the generally information processing structure of a cortical column:

Answer 1

Layer IV receives thalamic input. Layer IV transmits information to layers II and III which associate with other cortical regions. Layers V and VI project to subcortical structures.

Question 2

Layer IV neurons of which Brodmann’s area(s) would receive input from the medial geniculate nucleus?

Answer 2

41 and 42 (Auditory Cortex)

Question 3

Granular neurons in which Brodmann’s area(s) would receive afferents from lateral geniculate nucleus?

Answer 3

17 (Visual Cortex (V1))

Question 4

Granular neurons in brodmann’s area 4 receive afferents from which thalamic nuclei?

Answer 4

Ventroanterior and Ventrolateral Nuclei

Question 5

Brodmann’s areas 1,2,3 receive afferents from which thalamic nucleus?

Answer 5

Ventral Posterior Nucleus

Question 6

Efferents of mediodorsal nucleus of thalamus to cortex correspond to which sensory modality?

Answer 6

Emotion

Question 7

Corticostriatal projections originate in which cortical layer? Where do they terminate?

Answer 7

Layers V and VI, basal ganglia

Question 8

Define the three types of output pathways of cortex:

Answer 8

Projection (corticofugal) - to subcortical structures
Association - to other cortical structures
Commisural - connect hemispheres

Question 9

Name the structures of the corpus callosum:

Answer 9

Splenium, body, genu, rostrum, anterior commisure

Question 10

Describe the association pathways of cortex:

Answer 10

Superior Longitudinal fasciculus: Connects Prefrontal cortex to motor, posterior parietal, and visual cortices
Unicinate Fasciculus: connects temporal lobe with orbitofrontal cortex
Arcuate Fasciculus: connects Broca’s and Wernicke’s areas
Inferior Longitudinal Fasciculus: connects Middle temporal with occipital lobes
Cingulum: follows the cingulate gyrus