Cerebral Cortex

By
Dr. Christina Samir Eissa
Lecturer of histology FOMSCU
ILOs
• Describe the L.M structure of the cerebral cortex
• Relate the structure of the cerebral cortex to its function
• Draw a section in the cerebral cortex
 Introduction

• Brain:
Two cerebral hemispheres
Cerebellum
Brain stem

Each cerebral hemisphere is formed histologically from outer gray

matter and inner white matter
 What is meant by cerebral cortex?
• Gray matter at the periphery
of the cerebral hemispheres
that is folded into many gyri
and sulci
• It is responsible for:
Learning
Memory
Information analysis
Initiation of motor response
Integration of sensory signals
 LM Structure of Cerebral Cortex
• Six layers.
• Most superficial layer is deep to
pia matter and deepest is
bordered by white matter of
cerebrum
• Formed of neurons (pyramidal,
stellate, fusiform), neuroglia,
nerve fibers and blood vessels
 Six layers of cerebral cortex (from superficial to
deep)
1.Molecular (plexiform) layer:
Parallel fibers (nerve terminals originating in other areas of
the brain), Horizontal cells of Cajal, Neuroglial cells.
2.External granular layer (small pyramidal cell layer):
Granule (stellate) cells, small pyramidal cell, Neuroglial cells.
3.External pyramidal layer (layer of medium pyramidal
cells):
Neuroglial cells, medium pyramidal cells superficially and
larger deeper
4. Internal granular layer (thin layer and greatest cell
density):
Small granule (stellate) cells, some pyramidal cells,
Neuroglial cells
5.Internal pyramidal layer (lowest cell density):
Medium and large pyramidal cells but largest or giant (Betz
cells) in 1ry motor area 4, Neuroglial cells .
6.Multiform (polymorphic) layer:
 Molecular layer

External granular layer

External pyramidal layer

Internal granular layer

Internal pyramidal layer

Multiform layer

Cerebral cortex Nissl Weigert

Golgi
diagram
The nerve fibers of the cerebral grey matter
are subdivided into two groups:
A) Perpendicular to the cortical surface and called Radial fibers.
B) Parallel to the cortical surface:
• Tangential fibers: in the 1st layer tangential to the surface.
• Outer fibers of Billarger: in the outer part of the inner granular layer.
• Inner fibers of Billarger: in the inner part of the inner pyramidal layer.