Pattern Formation in the Rat's Somatosensory System

哺乳动物初级躯体感觉的一个特征 皮层是对侧躯体的有序表征 面 本研究项目的长期目标是 了解有助于形成 这些躯体位置图的形成。 研究的重点是 这个问题在大鼠的躯体感觉系统， 离散的和容易可视化的躯体位置组织 在它的中枢神经系统中。 注意力将集中在 在初级传入神经第一次接触 他们的中心目标。 该研究建议确定 边缘在建立边界方面的作用 新皮层区域和界定皮层下事件， 在这个过程中发挥作用。 这个问题将在 在正常和正常的组织中， 用各种解剖学方法对胎鼠进行操作。 这项研究应该有助于我们了解 调节离散新皮层形成的因素 地区

A characteristic feature of the mammalian primary somatosensory cortex is an ordered representation of the contralateral body surface. The long term objective of this research project is an understanding of the ontogenetic events which contribute to the formation of these somatotopic maps. The research is focussed on this problem in the somatosensory system of the rat because of the discrete and easily visualized somatotopic organization within its central nervous system. Attention will be centered on an earlier period when primary afferents are first contacting their central targets. The research proposes to determine the role of the periphery in establishing boundaries between neocortical areas and delimiting the subcortical events which play a role in this process. This problem will be approached at the light microscopic level of analysis in both normal and fetally manipulated rats with a variety of anatomical methods. This research should contribute to our understanding of the factors which regulate the formation of discrete neocortical areas.