Neopallium

Neopallium is a part of the brain that is involved in higher functions such as sensory perception, generation of motor commands, spatial reasoning, and conscious thought. It is also known as the neocortex or isocortex. The neopallium is the most developed in the human brain and is responsible for the cognitive abilities that distinguish humans from other animals.

Structure

The neopallium is divided into six layers, each with a specific function. The layers are numbered from the surface of the brain inwards, with layer I being the most superficial and layer VI being the deepest. The layers are as follows:

1. Layer I: Also known as the molecular layer, this layer contains few neurons and is mainly composed of extensions of neurons located in deeper layers.
2. Layer II: Also known as the external granular layer, this layer contains small pyramidal neurons.
3. Layer III: Also known as the external pyramidal layer, this layer contains larger pyramidal neurons.
4. Layer IV: Also known as the internal granular layer, this layer receives input from the thalamus and sends information to layers II and III.
5. Layer V: Also known as the internal pyramidal layer, this layer contains the largest neurons in the neopallium and sends information to the spinal cord and brainstem.
6. Layer VI: Also known as the multiform layer, this layer sends information to the thalamus.

Function

The neopallium is involved in a variety of functions, including sensory perception, motor command generation, spatial reasoning, and conscious thought. It is also involved in the processing of complex sensory information, such as visual and auditory information.

Clinical significance

Damage to the neopallium can result in a variety of neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease. In addition, abnormalities in the development of the neopallium can lead to conditions such as autism and schizophrenia.

See also

• Cerebral cortex
• Grey matter
• White matter

References

Neopallium Resources
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