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

November 16th 2024

enucleation

1. the removal of an entire organic structure, such as a tumor or a bodily organ, without damaging the surrounding structure. Enucleation often refers to the removal of an eyeball in which the optic nerve and connective eye muscles have been severed so that the eye can be removed wholly and cleanly. See also autoenucleation.

2. the destruction or removal of the nucleus of a cell.