Changes in volume, surface estimate, three-dimensional shape and total number of neurons of the human primary visual cortex from midgestation until old age

摘要: Macroscopic features such as volume, surface estimate, thickness and caudorostral length of the human primary visual cortex (Brodman's area 17) 46 brains between midgestation 93 years were studied by means camera lucida drawings from serial frontal sections. Individual values best fitted a logistic function to adulthood regression line old age. Allometric functions calculated study developmental relationships all features. The three-dimensional shape 17 was also reconstructed sections in 15 cases correlated with sequence morphological events. sulcal pattern begins develop around 21 weeks gestation but remains rather simple until birth, while it becomes more convoluted, particularly caudal part, during postnatal period. Until large increase cortical (about 83% its mean adult value) (69%) produces moderate volume (31%) estimate (40%) 17. After undergo their maximum growth rate, spite small length. This is due development gyrification within calcarine fissure. All macroscopic have reached value end first year. With aging, only significant are total number neurons shows great interindividual variability at ages. No decrease period or aging could be demonstrated.