Band of Baillarger

Band of Baillarger also known as Baillarger's bands or striae of Baillarger are two distinct horizontal bands of neurons found in the cerebral cortex. These bands were first described by the French psychiatrist Jules Baillarger in 1840.

History

Jules Baillarger was a French psychiatrist and neurologist who made significant contributions to the field of neuroanatomy. In 1840, he discovered two distinct bands of neurons in the cerebral cortex, which are now known as the Band of Baillarger.

Anatomy

The Band of Baillarger consists of two parallel bands of neurons located in the cerebral cortex. The upper band is found in layer IV, while the lower band is located in layer V. These bands are particularly prominent in the primary auditory cortex and the primary visual cortex, where they play a crucial role in sensory processing.

Function

The Band of Baillarger is involved in the processing of sensory information. The neurons in these bands receive inputs from the thalamus, process this information, and then send outputs to other areas of the brain. This allows the brain to interpret and respond to sensory stimuli.

Clinical significance

Abnormalities in the Band of Baillarger have been associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Further research is needed to fully understand the role of these bands in these conditions.

See also

• Cerebral cortex
• Neuron
• Jules Baillarger
• Neuroanatomy