Brodmann area 23

Brodmann area 23 (BA23) is a region of the cerebral cortex that is part of the brain's limbic system. It is located in the posterior cingulate cortex, which lies in the cingulate gyrus. This area is named after Korbinian Brodmann, a German neurologist who, in the early 20th century, mapped the cerebral cortex based on the organization of its cells.

Function

BA23 plays a crucial role in various cognitive and emotional processes. It is involved in memory retrieval, emotion regulation, pain processing, and consciousness. This area is also associated with self-referential thought processes, such as those involved in the default mode network (DMN), a network of brain regions that is active when the mind is at rest and not focused on the outside world.

Anatomy

Brodmann area 23 is located in the posterior portion of the cingulate cortex, adjacent to Brodmann area 31. It is bordered anteriorly by Brodmann area 24. The cingulate cortex is part of the limbic lobe, which is situated on the medial aspect of the cerebral hemispheres, above the corpus callosum, a large bundle of nerve fibers that connects the two hemispheres.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the function or structure of BA23 have been implicated in several neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. For instance, hypoactivity in the posterior cingulate cortex, including BA23, has been observed in patients with Alzheimer's disease, potentially reflecting disruptions in the default mode network.

Research

Ongoing research aims to further elucidate the specific functions of BA23 and its connections with other brain regions. Advanced imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and positron emission tomography (PET), are commonly used to study the activity and connectivity of this area in both healthy individuals and those with neuropsychiatric disorders.

See Also

• Cerebral cortex
• Limbic system
• Default mode network
• Korbinian Brodmann
• Posterior cingulate cortex