Related Experiment Videos
[Development and developmental disorders of the human brain. II. Development of the cerebral cortex and major tract
H J ten Donkelaar1, P Wesseling, M Lammens
1Instituut voor Neurologie, Universitair Medisch Centrum St Radboud, Postbus 9101, 6500 HB Nijmegen. h.tendonkelaar@cz-zorlnm.azn.nl
Insights
The cerebral cortex develops in two phases: preplate formation and cortical plate formation. Neurons migrate radially, while gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons migrate tangentially for proper brain development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Neuroanatomy
Context:
- The development of the cerebral cortex involves distinct phases and cellular migration patterns.
- Understanding these processes is crucial for comprehending cortical organization and function.
- The preplate and cortical plate are key structures in early cortical development.
Purpose:
- To elucidate the two main phases in cerebral cortex development: preplate formation and cortical plate formation.
- To describe the origins and migration routes of cortical neurons and interneurons.
- To highlight the roles of the subplate in thalamocortical projection development.
Summary:
- Cerebral cortex development occurs in two phases: preplate formation and cortical plate formation.
- Cortical neurons primarily migrate radially from the ventricular zone via radial glial cells.
- Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons originate in ganglionic eminences and migrate tangentially.
Impact:
- Provides foundational knowledge on cerebral cortex development and neuronal migration.
- Informs research on neurodevelopmental disorders affecting cortical lamination and connectivity.
- Enhances understanding of the transient subplate's role in establishing thalamocortical connections.
Abstract:
In the development of the cerebral cortex, two phases can be distinguished: (a) the formation of the preplate, a superficial layer essential for a normal lamination of the cerebral cortex; (b) the formation of the cortical plate. The cortical plate divides the preplate into a superficial marginal zone (the future layer I) and the subplate. The transient subplate is important for the formation of thalamocortical projections. Most cortical neurons arise in the ventricular zone of the pallium and migrate along radial glial cells (radial migration) to the cortical plate. The gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic cortical interneurons, however, originate from the ganglionic eminences and reach the cerebral cortex through tangential migration.