Role of Mechanical Factors in the Morphology of the Primate Cerebral Cortex

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.0020022
• Publication Date: 2006-03-22T17:10:39Z
• Authors: Claus C Hilgetag; Helen Barbas
• Keywords: Morphology; Brain morphometry; Laminar organization

The convoluted cortex of primates is instantly recognizable in its principal morphologic features, yet puzzling complex finer structure. Various hypotheses have been proposed about the mechanisms formation. Based on analysis databases quantitative architectonic and connection data for primate prefrontal cortices, we offer support hypothesis that tension exerted by corticocortical connections a significant factor shaping cerebral cortical landscape. Moreover, forces generated folding influence laminar morphology, appear to previously unsuspected impact cellular migration during development. evidence role mechanical factors morphology opens possibility constructing computational models develoment based physical principles. Such are particularly relevant understanding relationship connectivity normal brains, structurally altered brains diseases developmental origin, such as schizophrenia autism.