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Internal connectivity of the mouse mesocortical ring and functional implications.
Luis Puelles1,2, Elena Garcia-Calero3,4
1Departamento de Anatomía Humana y Psicobiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Ciencias de la Salud, Murcia, 30120, España.
Brain Structure & Function
|May 8, 2026
Summary
The mammalian mesocortex (MCx) ring, a newly defined brain region, shows interconnected sectors. The medial posterior orbitary cortex plays a central role in this network, suggesting integrative functions within the mesocortex.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Brain Anatomy
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The mammalian mesocortex (MCx) is a recently redefined brain region forming a ring between the allocortex and isocortex.
- It is characterized by 46 selective gene markers and low myelin content, influencing its function and susceptibility to disorders.
- Despite a shared molecular profile, MCx sectors like the posterior orbitary cortex, cingulate cortex, and insula have distinct characteristics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the internal connectivity within the mesocortical ring.
- To understand the functional relationships between different mesocortical sectors.
Main Methods:
- Utilized anterograde connectivity experiments from the Allen Institute for Brain Science database.
- Investigated the projection patterns within the mesocortical ring.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that different sectors of the MCx ring are multiply interconnected.
- Identified the medial posterior orbitary cortex as a key hub, projecting to and receiving from all other mesocortical sectors.
- These interconnections suggest potential integrative functions within the MCx.
Conclusions:
- The mesocortical ring exhibits significant internal connectivity, supporting integrated brain functions.
- The medial posterior orbitary cortex appears to hold a higher hierarchical position within the mesocortical network.
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