The inevitable inequality of cortical columns
The idea of columns as an organizing cortical unit emerged from physiologic studies in the sensory systems. Connectional studies and molecular markers pointed to widespread presence of modular label that necessitated revision of the classical concept of columns. The general principle of cortical sys...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2022-09-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2022.921468/full |
| _version_ | 1818020013716537344 |
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| author | Helen Barbas Helen Barbas Helen Barbas Basilis Zikopoulos Basilis Zikopoulos Basilis Zikopoulos Yohan J. John Yohan J. John |
| author_facet | Helen Barbas Helen Barbas Helen Barbas Basilis Zikopoulos Basilis Zikopoulos Basilis Zikopoulos Yohan J. John Yohan J. John |
| author_sort | Helen Barbas |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The idea of columns as an organizing cortical unit emerged from physiologic studies in the sensory systems. Connectional studies and molecular markers pointed to widespread presence of modular label that necessitated revision of the classical concept of columns. The general principle of cortical systematic variation in laminar structure is at the core of cortical organization. Systematic variation can be traced to the phylogenetically ancient limbic cortices, which have the simplest laminar structure, and continues through eulaminate cortices that show sequential elaboration of their six layers. Connections are governed by relational rules, whereby columns or modules with a vertical organization represent the feedforward mode of communication from earlier- to later processing cortices. Conversely, feedback connections are laminar-based and connect later- with earlier processing areas; both patterns are established in development. Based on studies in primates, the columnar/modular pattern of communication appears to be newer in evolution, while the broadly based laminar pattern represents an older system. The graded variation of cortices entails a rich variety of patterns of connections into modules, layers, and mixed arrangements as the laminar and modular patterns of communication intersect in the cortex. This framework suggests an ordered architecture poised to facilitate seamless recruitment of areas in behavior, in patterns that are affected in diseases of developmental origin. |
| first_indexed | 2024-04-14T08:00:15Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-723bca6b58494f4f918e82f9c881d825 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1662-5137 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-04-14T08:00:15Z |
| publishDate | 2022-09-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience |
| spelling | doaj.art-723bca6b58494f4f918e82f9c881d8252022-12-22T02:04:55ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience1662-51372022-09-011610.3389/fnsys.2022.921468921468The inevitable inequality of cortical columnsHelen Barbas0Helen Barbas1Helen Barbas2Basilis Zikopoulos3Basilis Zikopoulos4Basilis Zikopoulos5Yohan J. John6Yohan J. John7Neural Systems Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United StatesDepartment of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United StatesGraduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University and School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United StatesDepartment of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United StatesGraduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University and School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United StatesHuman Systems Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United StatesNeural Systems Laboratory, Department of Health Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, United StatesGraduate Program in Neuroscience, Boston University and School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United StatesThe idea of columns as an organizing cortical unit emerged from physiologic studies in the sensory systems. Connectional studies and molecular markers pointed to widespread presence of modular label that necessitated revision of the classical concept of columns. The general principle of cortical systematic variation in laminar structure is at the core of cortical organization. Systematic variation can be traced to the phylogenetically ancient limbic cortices, which have the simplest laminar structure, and continues through eulaminate cortices that show sequential elaboration of their six layers. Connections are governed by relational rules, whereby columns or modules with a vertical organization represent the feedforward mode of communication from earlier- to later processing cortices. Conversely, feedback connections are laminar-based and connect later- with earlier processing areas; both patterns are established in development. Based on studies in primates, the columnar/modular pattern of communication appears to be newer in evolution, while the broadly based laminar pattern represents an older system. The graded variation of cortices entails a rich variety of patterns of connections into modules, layers, and mixed arrangements as the laminar and modular patterns of communication intersect in the cortex. This framework suggests an ordered architecture poised to facilitate seamless recruitment of areas in behavior, in patterns that are affected in diseases of developmental origin.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2022.921468/fullneuroanatomycortexcolumnlaminalayerprimate |
| spellingShingle | Helen Barbas Helen Barbas Helen Barbas Basilis Zikopoulos Basilis Zikopoulos Basilis Zikopoulos Yohan J. John Yohan J. John The inevitable inequality of cortical columns Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience neuroanatomy cortex column lamina layer primate |
| title | The inevitable inequality of cortical columns |
| title_full | The inevitable inequality of cortical columns |
| title_fullStr | The inevitable inequality of cortical columns |
| title_full_unstemmed | The inevitable inequality of cortical columns |
| title_short | The inevitable inequality of cortical columns |
| title_sort | inevitable inequality of cortical columns |
| topic | neuroanatomy cortex column lamina layer primate |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnsys.2022.921468/full |
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