Dendritic architecture of the von Economo neurons.

Bibliographic Collection: 
MOCA Reference, APE
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Watson, K K; Jones, T K; Allman, J M
Year of Publication: 2006
Journal: Neuroscience
Volume: 141
Issue: 3
Pagination: 1107-12
Date Published: 2006 Sep 1
Publication Language: eng
ISSN: 0306-4522
Keywords: Adult, Analysis of Variance, Cell Count, Cerebral Cortex, Dendrites, Humans, Male, Neurons, Pyramidal Cells, Silver Staining
Abstract:

The von Economo neurons are one of the few known specializations to hominoid cortical microcircuitry. Here, using a Golgi preparation of a human postmortem brain, we describe the dendritic architecture of this unique population of neurons. We have found that, in contrast to layer 5 pyramidal neurons, the von Economo neurons have sparse dendritic trees and symmetric apical and basal components. This result provides the first detailed anatomical description of a neuron type unique to great apes and humans.

DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2006.04.084
Alternate Journal: Neuroscience