engleski

Development of cerebral cortex: Macroscopy and Microscopy

Aim of this paper is to present data on regional, laminar and areal development of the human cerebral cortex in relation to development of neural connectivity. Material consists of histological sections of the post mortem human brains from Zagreb Neuroembryological Collection processed with histological, histochemical, immunocytochemical and electromicroscopic methods. In addition, images and 3D reconstructions were used from in vitro and in vivo data bank . Results show that early regional development begins during the embryonic period. Early fetal life is characterized by continuing regional differentiation, bilaminar synaptogenesis, growth of projection pathways and endogenous activity. After this initial histogenetic period, several other critical periods may be defined: Late fetal and early preterm period with in-growth of thalamocortical fibers, “waiting” compartments and areal differentiation, growth of long cortico-cortical association pathways in neocortex and short cortico-corticals in limbic cortex, maximal size of subplate and marginal zone, and appearance of sensory evoked potentials. Perinatal reorganization of cortex and white matter, reorganization of transient subplate zone, ingrowth of long cortico-cortical fibers and development of short cortico-cortical systems. Early childhood with “overgrowth” of synaptic connections and development of cognitive functions. Fine-tuning of synaptic spines and intracortical connectivity during late childhood, adolescents, and young adulthood. In conclusion, structural analysis of cortical histogenesis is essential for interpretation of structural and functional data during life-long development.

subplate zone

nije evidentirano