Slide #1 Human Cerebral Cortex

The pial surface of the brain is at the top. Can you see any differences in the horizontal arrangement of the cell bodies? How are the cells arranged vertically?

Slide #2 Human Cerebral Cortex (high magnification)

Note the vertical comlumns--what is the functional significance? [Hint: this is especially apparent in the visual cortex]

Slide #3 Human Cerebral Cortex (high magnification)

Note the different shapes of cell bodies, indicating that many types of cells are present in the cortex. What distinguishes neurons from glial cells in the stain?

Slide #4 Neurons of the Spinal Cord

The cell bodies are concentrated in the central portion (gray matter) of the spinal cord, while the axons of ascending (afferent) and descending (efferent) pathways compose the outer portion (white matter). Note that on the left side of the spinal cord are afferent axons that bring information in from the periphery; on the right side are tracings of representative cells in the gray matter. In reality, of course, both types of structures exist bilaterally.

Slide #5 Reticular Formation Neuron with long axon

Note the extent of the axon, and the variety of structures that it projects to. What is the function of the reticular formation, and why would it need to project to so many areas of the brain? *Importantly, structure does reflect function.

Slide #6 Purkinje Cell in Cerebellum
This depiction was drawn by Ramon y Cajal. Note complex dendritic system and the 2-D nature of the cell--similar to a sea fan if you rotate it 90 degrees.	This image represents a model of the purkinje cell illustrating the calcium concentration during a complex spike. This image came from here.

Slide #7 Purkinje Cell--Scanning electron microscopic photo

Look carefully at all of the synaptic boutons on the somata of the Purkinje cells (the large masses). You can also see the main dendritic shaft of the Purkinje cell.

Slide #8 Inhibitory influences on the cerebral cortex

Here is a cross section revealing the six layers of the cerebral cortex, from layer I at the top, to layer VI at the bottom of the image. Note the large layer V and VI pyramidal neurons (in red), with their apical shafts ascending to layer I. The inhibitory fibers (in blue) wrap around these apical shafts in order to control the level of excitablity in the cortex (thereby preventing seizures). This image came from The Blue Brain Project.

Slide #9 Neuroglia Cells

In this image, you see one large neuron, and a variety of glial cells. How many kinds of glial cells are there? Which are in the CNS, and which are in the PNS? What are their functions? This image came from here.

Slide #10 Taking a tour through the cortex

Click on the link to see what it would be like to take a tour through the cerebral cortex (specifically the primary visual cortex) as it functions. http://www.nrbsc.org/brainmovie/index.html

Slide #11 Golgi Stain of Astrocytes at Higher Magnification

In this photomicrograph of cerebral cortex, you can see astrocytes. What kind of astrocytes are these?

Slide #12 Golgi Stain of Pyramidal Cell with Nonpyramidal Cell

What are the main structural differences between the two neurons in this slide?

Slide #13 Different kinds of Non-Pyramidal Neurons in the Cerebral Cortex

Try to imagine how their shape relates to their function--how do you think these cells got their name? From: DeFelipe, J. & Jones, E.G. (1988). Cajal on the cerebral cortex. New York: Oxford University Press.

Slide #14 Injected neuron

What kind of cells have been injected here? Where in the brain would you find these cells? This image came from The Blue Brain Project.

Slide #15 Golgi Stain of Pyramidal Neuron--mid magnification

Can you find the axon that runs parallel to one of the basilar dendrites? How do axons and dendrites differ from each other?

Slide #16 Pyramidal Cell of a 14 year old

Pyramidal neurons are the dominant cells in the cortex (70% to 90% of cortical neurons). Locate the following structures: soma, axon, apical shaft, basilar dendrites, apical oblique dendrites, dendritic spines. Are complete axons shorter than dendrites? Why do they appear to be so short in these Golgi sections?

Slide #17 Myelin Sheaths

Note the layers of myelin (MY) covering the axon (Ax), and the mitochondrion (Mit). What kinds of cells make myelin. What diseases affect myelin? This micrograph came from here.

Slide #18 Computer-Enhanced Image of Dendrite at High Magnification

What are the leaf-like structures you see here? What is their significance?

Slide #19 Pyramidal Cell from 9 year old--mid magnification

A beautifully stained cell!! Note the axon dropping off of the bottom of the soma--why does the axon appear so clearly in this cell?

Slide #20 Pyramidal Cell from 14 year old--high magnification

Note the relatively HIGH spine density.

Slide #21 Pyramidal Cell from 73 year old--high magnification

Note the very LOW spine density.

top

Advisors	Former Students' Advice	Home
Neuroscience major	Outreach Program
Graduates	Links