BRODMANN’S CYTOARCHITECTONIC AREA: A REVIEW
The human brain is a complex organ, composed of billions of neurons and glial cells, connected by intricate networks of pathways. To understand the brain’s intricate structure and function, it is important to understand the organization of its many components. In 1909, the German neurologist Korbinian Brodmann published a groundbreaking work describing the cytoarchitecture of the cerebral cortex of humans and other species. This work, known as Brodmann’s Areas, is now widely accepted as a standard system for neuroscience research.
Brodmann’s work was based on a technique known as cytoarchitectonics, which combines structural and chemical characteristics of brain cells to define distinct regions of the brain. He used histological staining techniques to identify the different types of neurons in the cortex, and then divided the cortex into 47 separate areas, based on the cytoarchitectonic characteristics. The areas he identified are now known as Brodmann’s Areas (BA).
Brodmann used a variety of methods to identify his areas, including cytoarchitectonics, neuroanatomy, and functional analysis. He was able to identify areas that are related to specific cognitive functions, such as language, vision, and memory. He also identified areas related to emotion and motor control. His work provided the basis for further research into the functions of the various areas of the cerebral cortex.
In addition to providing a framework for understanding the organization of the cerebral cortex, Brodmann’s work has been instrumental in the study of brain development and the effects of neurological diseases. His system of cytoarchitectonic areas has been used to map the progression of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, as well as to pinpoint areas of the brain that are affected by traumatic brain injury.
Brodmann’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of neuroscience. His cytoarchitectonic areas are still widely used today in research and clinical practice. The areas he identified have been used to identify deficits in specific cognitive functions, map the progression of neurological diseases, and understand the effects of neurological disorders.
References
Brodmann, K. (1909). Vergleichende lokalisationslehre der grosshirnrinde in ihren prinzipien dargestellt aufgrund des zellenbaues. Leipzig: Johann Ambrosius Barth.
Caviness, V. S., Jr., & Takahashi, T. (1995). Brodmann areas. In E. R. Kandel, J. H. Schwartz, & T. M. Jessell (Eds.), Principles of neural science (pp. 467–476). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Kandel, E. R., Schwartz, J. H., & Jessell, T. M. (2000). Principles of neural science (4th ed.). New York, NY: McGraw-Hill.
Robbins, T. W., & Everitt, B. J. (2007). Neural systems of reinforcement. In D. A. Glanzman (Ed.), Encyclopedia of neuroscience (pp. 851–857). Oxford, UK: Elsevier.