Episode 7: Cortical Anatomy Pt. 1- Neocortex, Superior View

In this episode of Neurosurgery Review, I, Mustafa Farooq, a fourth-year medical student at the Medical College of Georgia and a neurosurgery applicant in this year’s match cycle, take you through the intricacies of cortical anatomy, exploring the brain’s remarkable complexity and structural organization. Starting with the cerebral cortex, which contains approximately 14 billion neurons, we discuss its developmental origins from the germinal zone and its layered organization into six neocortical layers, each with distinct cells, neurotransmitters, and functions. Highlights include the role of Golgi type II cells in modulating neuronal activity, the significance of stellate and pyramidal cells, and the unique contributions of structures like the external and internal bands of Baillarger. Additionally, we examine the surface anatomy of the brain, from the longitudinal fissure dividing the hemispheres to the functional landmarks of the frontal, parietal, and occipital lobes, such as the central sulcus and precentral gyrus. This episode connects anatomical details with their functional implications, providing an essential guide for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of cortical anatomy.

mufarooq@augusta.edu