Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 31, 2026
10:14
3D Scanning Technology Bridging Microcircuits and Macroscale Brain Images in 3D Novel Embedding Overlapping Protocol
Published on: May 12, 2019
7.7K
Bridging Cytoarchitectonics and Connectomics in Human Cerebral Cortex
Martijn P van den Heuvel1, Lianne H Scholtens2, Lisa Feldman Barrett3
1Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands, M.P.vandenheuvel@umcutrecht.nl.
Summary
Human brain connectivity varies across microscale cellular structure and macroscale wiring. This study links the size of layer 3 neurons to corticocortical connectivity, revealing a relationship between these two scales of brain organization.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Brain Anatomy
- Connectomics
Background:
- The human cortex exhibits significant variation in cytoarchitectonics, influencing information processing.
- Multimodal areas show complex cellular structures and elaborate macroscale connectivity.
- The relationship between microscale cytoarchitecture and macroscale brain connectivity is not well understood.
Observation:
- This study integrated historical cytoarchitectonic data (Von Economo and Koskinas, 1925) with modern Human Connectome Project diffusion imaging data.
- A cross-scale analysis examined the link between cellular structure and brain wiring.
Findings:
- A significant association was found between human cortical cytoarchitectonic features, specifically the size of layer 3 neurons, and whole-brain corticocortical connectivity.
- Evidence suggests a relationship between microscale and macroscale aspects of brain organization.
Implications:
- These findings provide insights into how micro-organization and macro-organization of the human cortex are related.
- Understanding this relationship can enhance models of neural processes and brain function.
Related Concept Videos
01:11Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II
6.0K
Each cerebral hemisphere can be divided into three main regions. The outermost region, the cerebral cortex, is a thin layer (2 to 4 millimeters thick) made up of gray matter, consisting of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, glial cells, and blood vessels. The middle region, or white matter, is primarily composed of myelinated nerve fibers organized into three types of large tracts: association fibers, commissures, and projection fibers. Association fibers connect different areas within the same...
6.0K
01:23Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
4.5K
The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at...
4.5K
01:05Cerebral Hemispheres
3.5K
The human brain, a complex organ, is functionally divided into two cerebral hemispheres—left and right. These hemispheres are interconnected by a structure of paramount importance, the corpus callosum. This substantial bundle of neural fibers is not just a bridge between the hemispheres but a crucial element for the brain's comprehensive functioning. It enables efficient communication between the two hemispheres, allowing each side of the brain to control and receive sensory and motor...
3.5K
01:30Organization of the Brain
3.7K
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...
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...
3.7K
01:26Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview I
6.7K
The main and largest component of the human brain is the cerebrum. The cerebrum consists of two main parts: the cerebral cortex, an outer layer with wrinkles or folds known as gyri and shallow grooves called sulci, and a deeper region beneath it. The cerebrum divides into two distinct hemispheres and contains five different lobes: the frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, and insula. The central sulcus separates the frontal and parietal lobes and two functionally important gyri — the...
6.7K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
10.5K
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:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
10.5K