Abstract
Radially oriented ensembles of neurons and their projections, termed minicolumns, are hypothesized to be the basic microcircuit of mammalian cerebral cortex. Minicolumns can be divided into a core and a peripheral neuropil space compartment. The core of minicolumns is constrained by the migratory path of pyramidal cells and their attendant radially oriented projections. Variation in minicolumnar morphometry and density is observed both within and across species. Using a scale-independent measure of variability in minicolumnar width (V(CW)), we demonstrated a significant increase in V(CW) in layers III-V of striate cortex in humans relative to macaques and chimpanzees. Despite changes in minicolumnar width (CW) across species, their core space (w) remained the same. Given that cellular elements and processes within the peripheral neuropil space of minicolumns are derived from assorted sources, cross-species differences in VCW may result from genetic and epigenetic influences acting primarily on this compartment of the minicolumn.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
