cytoarchitecture

n. the arrangement of cells in organs and tissues, particularly those in the neocortex. The different types of cortical cells are organized in cortical layers and zones. The number of layers varies in different brain areas, but a typical section of neocortex shows six distinct layers. Differences in cytoarchitecture have been used to divide the neocortex into 50 or more regions, many of which differ in function. The scientific study of the cytoarchitecture of an organ is called cytoarchitectonics. Also called architectonic structure. See also Brodmann’s area. —cytoarchitectural adj.

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Psychology term of the day

December 18th 2024

Type III cell

a type of taste cell that, when viewed by electron microscopy, is similar to a Type II cell but has dense-cored vesicles in its basal region. Type III cells comprise 15% of the cells in a taste bud; they contain acetylcholine and serotonin for activation of peripheral nerve fibers. Also called intermediate cell.