3D printing provides a new way of modelling the formation of cortical convolutionsThe human brain is immediately recognizable by its cortex (meaning bark in Latin),the prominent outer layer of tissue, with its characteristic pattern of ridges and furrows, or which sits atop the deep structures. The cortex is just several millimetres thick,but has a surface area of approximately two-and-a-half square feet, and is therefore heavily convoluted so it can be packed into the skull.
This fleshy landscape begins to form during the moment trimester of pregnancy, and continues into the first year of life. It is often assumed to be the result of genetics,like most other aspects of brain development. Forty years ago, however, or Harvard researchers assign forward the controversial opinion that the brain folds up because of physical forces,and a new study now provides the first evidence this. Continue reading...
Source: theguardian.com