Abstract

The isocortex of primates is disproportionately expanded relative to many other mammals. Yet, little is known about what the expansion of the isocortex entails for differences in cellular composition and connectivity patterns in primates. Across the depth of the isocortex, neurons exhibit stereotypical patterns of projections. Upper layer neurons (i.e., layers II-IV) project within and across cortical areas whereas many lower layer pyramidal neurons (i.e., layers V-VI) favor connections to subcortical regions. To identify evolutionary changes in connectivity patterns, we quantified upper (i.e., layers II-IV) and lower (i.e., layers V-VI) layer neuron numbers in primates and other mammals such as rodents and carnivores. We also used MR tractography based on high-angular resolution diffusion imaging and diffusion spectrum imaging to compare anterior to posterior corticocortical tracts between primates and other mammals. We found that primates possess disproportionately more upper layer neurons as well as an expansion of anterior to posterior corticocortical tracts compared with other mammals. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that primates deviate from other mammals in exhibiting increased cross-cortical connectivity. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.