The Limbic System and the Evolution of the Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

The cerebral cortex has undergone significant changes during the courses of its evolution. As we ascend the phylogenetic scale, we note the development of newer areas of the cortext that have modified the function of older areas increasing the survivablity of species. From the study of comparative anatomy, theree main regions can be distinguished within the pallium of amphibians that correspond to areas of higher vertebrates. The medical part to these is thought to represent thearchicortex, which corresponds to the hippocampus. The lateral area is considered the paleocortex or the piriform area. Between these two areas is located a dorsal area which corresponds ti the neocortex of mammals. In reptiles, these three divisions seens to become more distinct although their structure is still considered primitive. It is only in mammals is still considered primitive. It is only in mammals that the dorsal cortex undergoes a dramatic development and increases progressively along the phylogenetic scale to reach its peak in humans, where it forms the majority of the entire pallium.\