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The Mammalian Pyramidal Neuron: Development, Structure, and Function

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The Human Brain

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Abstract

In all mammalian species, the cerebral cortex (neocortex) is characterized and distinguished by the abundance of pyramidal cells, representing roughly 75% of its neurons. This neuronal type represents a mammalian innovation and is characterized by unique developmental, morphological, and functional features (Marín-Padilla 1971, 1992). It also represents the essential functional outlet of the neocortex, such that the remaining cortical neurons contribute, directly and/or indirectly, to its functional role. The prenatal development and functional maturation of pyramidal neurons is a sequential, ascending, and stratified process (Marín-Padilla 1992, 1998). To comprehend why the mammalian neocortex is stratified (laminated), the developmental, structural, and functional features of the pyramidal neuron must be first clearly understood. The present chapter proposes that the number of pyramidal cell’s functional strata (laminations) established in the cerebral cortex varies among different mammalian species, increases in the course of phylogeny, and reflects the animal motor abilities and capabilities. The essential developmental, morphological, and functional features of this uniquely mammalian neuron are explored in the present chapter.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Timberlea Circle 2447, 55125, Woodbury, MN, USA

    Miguel Marín-Padilla

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  1. Miguel Marín-Padilla
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Correspondence to Miguel Marín-Padilla .

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Marín-Padilla, M. (2011). The Mammalian Pyramidal Neuron: Development, Structure, and Function. In: The Human Brain. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14724-1_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-14724-1_4

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-642-14723-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-642-14724-1

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