Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 1, 2025
08:49
Visualization of Cortical Modules in Flattened Mammalian Cortices
Published on: January 22, 2018
12.9K
Common modular architecture across diverse cortical areas in early development
Nathaniel J Powell1, Bettina Hein2, Deyue Kong3,4,5
1Optical Imaging and Brain Sciences Medical Discovery Team, Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
Summary
Early ferret cortex exhibits a common, modular organization across sensory and association areas before sensory experience. This suggests that diverse neural representations develop from shared foundational principles.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Systems Neuroscience
Background:
- Animals develop diverse neural representations across cortical areas for complex environments.
- The origin of this representational diversity, whether area-specific or from a common initial organization, is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the functional organization of the developing cortex in ferrets before sensory experience.
- To determine if early cortical areas share common organizational principles.
Main Methods:
- Used two-photon and widefield calcium imaging to record spontaneous neural activity.
- Examined auditory cortex (A1), somatosensory cortex (S1), posterior parietal cortex (PPC), and prefrontal cortex (PFC) in ferrets 7-14 days before eye/ear opening.
Main Results:
- Spontaneous activity in all examined cortical areas (A1, S1, PPC, PFC) displayed an organized, modular structure similar to visual cortex (V1).
- This modular activity formed distributed, millimeter-scale functional networks across the cortical surface.
- Highly coherent spontaneous activity and strong local neuronal population correlations were observed in all areas.
Conclusions:
- Demonstrates a common, distributed, and modular functional organization across the developing cortex prior to sensory input.
- Suggests that the development of diverse cortical representations initially follows similar design principles.
Related Concept Videos
01:14Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex
3.8K
The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex....
3.8K
01:21Association Areas of the Cortex
5.3K
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,...
5.3K
01:24Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex
495
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...
495
01:25Neural Circuits
1.2K
Neural circuits and neuronal pools are two of the main structures found in the nervous system. Neural circuits are networks of neurons that work together to carry out a specific task or process. They consist of interconnected neurons and glial cells, which provide structural and metabolic support.
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
Neuronal pools are collections of nerve cells with similar functions and interact through chemical and electrical signals. These pools include both interneurons (the central neural circuit nodes that...
1.2K
01:30Organization of the Brain
783
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...
783