Organization of the Cerebral Cortex

Two main subdivisions have been recognized in the SN since the first detailed studies of this structure (Mingazzini, 1888 Sano, 1910 Cajal, 1911). In particular, Mingazzini (1888), who impregnated human midbrain tissue with the Golgi technique, was so impressed by the appearance of the different portions of the SN that he considered the organization of this structure similar to the layered organization of the cerebral cortex and described the SN neurons as pyramidal cells. 

Kaas JH, Nelson RJ, Sur M, Merzenich MM (1981) Organization of somatosensory cortex in primates. In The organization of the cerebral cortex. (Schmitt FO, Worden FG, Aldelman G, Dennis SG eds.) pp. 237-261. MIT Press Cambridge, MA. 

Sholl AD (1956) The organization of the cerebral cortex. Academic Press, London New York... 

Another method employed rather frequently by neuropharmacologists involves measurement of transmission in sensory systems by the so-called evoked potential technique. A sense organ, e.g. the eye or the ear, is stimulated by a light flash or a loudspeaker click, and an afferent volley of nerve impulses is produced. This volley travels first through peripheral sensory nerve fibers and then through the afferent systems in the CNS to reach finally the so-called projection area of the cerebral cortex. 

Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is an organ-specific form of amyloid deposition in small and medium-sized arteries, and less commonly veins, of the cerebral cortex and meninges. 

Somogyi P, Tamas G, Lujan R, Buhl EH (1998) Salient features of synaptic organization in the cerebral cortex. Brain Res Rev 26 13-135. 

Around the central core of the brain are a number of structures that collectively make up the deep brain nuclei, which are organized into the limbic system, and the basal nuclei. These systems are closely connected to the thalamus, the hypothalamus and the sensory and motor areas of the cerebral cortex. The limbic system is concerned with emotions, behaviour and memory and the basal nuclei are concerned with control of movement, although there is overlap between the two. Malfunction of these areas is implicated in disorders such as Parkinson s disease and schizophrenia. 

The gray matter, which contains the cell bodies of neurons, is on the outer surface of the cerebrum and forms the cerebral cortex. The white matter, composed of the myelinated axons of neurons, is found underlying the cortex in the core of the cerebrum. These axons are bundled together according to function and organized into units referred to as tracts. The three types of tracts in the cerebrum are ... 

In general, quality is assessed by quantifiable traits that are more or less related to specific attributes of the product and the production process. Moreover, the assessment depends on the information delivered by the sensory organs. Information is filtered and evaluated by the brain depending on the specific information provided but also on the concept of understanding that already exists in the cerebral cortex (Singer, 2000). A mental representation of a sensory event can shape neural processes that underlie the formulation of the actual sensory experience. Thus, the subjective sensory experience is shaped by interactions between expectations and incoming sensory information. 

Some parts of the brain, like the cerebral cortex, are much more highly evolved in humans than in other animals. The pineal gland, however, is a very basic organ that first evolved in primitive species. It is found in lampreys, fish, amphibians, and reptiles, as well as in mammals. The hormone melatonin has also been found in insects and plants. 

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