Review

The Minicolumn and Evolution of the Brain
Daniel P. Buxhoeveden, Manuel F. Casanova

Medical College of Georgia and Downtown VA Medical Center, Augusta, Ga., USA

Address of Corresponding Author

Brain Behav Evol 2002;60:125-151 (DOI: 10.1159/000065935)

  Key Words

• Mammals
• Minicolumns
• Encephalization
• Cortex

  Abstract

The minicolumn is generally considered an elementary unit of the neocortex in all mammalian brains. This essential building block has been affected by changes in the circuitry of the cortex during evolution. Researchers believe that enlargement of the cortical surface occurs through the addition of minicolumns rather than of single neurons. Therefore, minicolumns integrate cortical encephalization with organization. Despite these insights, few studies have analyzed the morphometry of the minicolumn to detect subtle but important differences among the brains of diverse mammals. The notion that minicolumns are essentially unchanged across species is challenged by strong evidence to the contrary. Because they are subject to species-specific variation, they can be used as a way to study evolutionary changes. Unfortunately, comparative studies are marred by a lack of standardized techniques, tissue preparation, cortical regions, or anatomical feature studied. However, recent advances in methodology enable standardized, quantified comparisons of minicolumn morphology.

Copyright © 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel

  Author Contacts

Daniel Buxhoeveden, PhD
3B-121, Downtown VA Medical Center (24)
One Freedom Way
Augusta, GA 30904 (USA)
Tel. +1 706 733 0188, ext. 2681, Fax +1 706 823 3913, E-Mail danb@psych.mcg.edu

  Article Information

Received: Received: March 4, 2002
Accepted after revision: June 18, 2002
Returned for revision: May 9, 2002
Number of Figures : 2, Number of Tables : 7, Number of References : 156