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Organization of the Brain

Organization of the Brain

The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...

Association Areas of the Cortex

Association Areas of the Cortex

Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
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Neuron Structure

Neuron Structure

Neuron Structure

Neuron Structure

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Functional Brain Systems: Reticular Formation

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Within the reticular formation, there are several distinct nuclei that can be classified into three broad categories. The Raphe nuclei are located along the midline of the brainstem. They are primarily known for their role in synthesizing and releasing serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, appetite, sleep, and circadian rhythms. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex

Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex

Published on: September 5, 2018

Structural uniformity of neocortex, revisited.

C Nikoosh Carlo¹, Charles F Stevens

¹The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA. nikoosh@salk.edu

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America

|January 9, 2013

Summary

The number of neurons per square millimeter of cortical surface is constant across species and cortical areas. Glial cell density varies with cortical thickness, not area or species.

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Comparative Neuroanatomy

Background:

A 1980 study reported a constant number of neurons per square millimeter of cortical surface across species and areas.
This finding has been debated for 30 years, with no direct replication using modern methods.

Purpose of the Study:

To replicate the 1980 study using modern stereological techniques.
To investigate the relationship between glial cells, cortical surface area, thickness, and species.

Main Methods:

Replication of Rockel et al.'s experiments using contemporary stereological methods.
Quantitative analysis of neuronal and glial cell densities in cortical samples.

Main Results:

Confirmed the original report: neuronal density is constant across cortical areas and species.

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Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex

Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex

Published on: September 5, 2018

A Comparative Approach for Quantitative Cell Counting Studies in Widely Different Mammalian Brains

A Comparative Approach for Quantitative Cell Counting Studies in Widely Different Mammalian Brains

Published on: January 16, 2026

Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices

Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices

Published on: January 22, 2018

Demonstrated that glial cell density is dependent on cortical thickness, but not cortical area or species.

Conclusions:

Neuronal packing density in the cortex is a conserved feature.
Glial cell numbers are adjusted based on cortical thickness, suggesting a different regulatory mechanism compared to neurons.