Frontiers in Neuroanatomy (Jan 2015)

Characterization of a mammalian prosencephalic functional plan

  • Sophie eCroizier,
  • Sophie eCroizier,
  • Sandrine eChometton,
  • Dominique eFellmann,
  • Pierre-Yves eRisold

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnana.2014.00161
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8

Abstract

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Hypothalamic organizational concepts have greatly evolved as the primary hypothalamic pathways have been systematically investigated. In the present review, we describe how the hypothalamus arises from a molecularly heterogeneous region of the embryonic neural tube but is first differentiated as a primary neuronal cell cord (earliest mantle layer). This structure defines two axes that align onto two fundamental components: a longitudinal tractus postopticus/retinian component and a transverse supraoptic tract/olfactory component. We then discuss how these two axonal tracts guide the formation of all major tracts that connect the telencephalon with the hypothalamus/ventral midbrain, highlighting the existence of an early basic plan in the functional organization of the prosencephalic connectome.

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