Year: 2013
Type: article
Abstract: Cell and neuron densities vary across the cortical sheet in a predictable manner across different primate species (Collins et al., 2010b). Primary motor cortex, M1, is characterized by lower neuron densities relative to other cortical areas. M1 contains a motor representation map of contralateral body parts from tail to tongue in a mediolateral sequence. Different functional movement representations within M1 likely require specialized microcircuitry for control of different body parts, and these differences in circuitry may be reflected by variation in cell and neuron densities. Here we determined cell and neuron densities for multiple sub-regions of M1 in six primate species, using the semi-automated flow fractionator method. The results verify previous reports of lower overall neuron densities in M1 compared to other parts of cortex in the six primate species examined. The most lateral regions of M1 that correspond to face and hand movement representations, are more neuron dense relative to medial locations in M1, which suggests differences in cortical circuitry within movement zones.
Source: Frontiers in Neural Circuits
Authors: Nicole A. Young, Christine E. Collins, Jon H. Kaas
Institution: Vanderbilt University
Language: English
Topic: Motor Control and Adaptation
Subfield: Cognitive Neuroscience
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Funders: Vanderbilt University, National Institutes of Health, Vanderbilt Digestive Diseases Research Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, National Eye Institute, National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
Awards: G1764958080, G2268269956, Functional Organization of the Somatosensory System, G3433274139, G499679542, Functional Organization of the Visual System, G5853943267, G7520984233, Molecular and Cellular Basis for Digestive Diseases, The Southwest National Primate Research Center, Cancer Center Support Grant
OpenAlex ID: W2020034099