Why is Brain Size so Important:Design Problems and Solutions as Neocortex Gets Bigger or Smaller

Author: Kaas J.H.

Source: Brain and Mind, Volume 1, Number 1, April 2000 , pp. 7-23(17)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

As bridges or brains become bigger or smaller, the changes pose problems of design that need to be solved. Larger brains could have larger or more neurons, or both. With larger neurons, it becomes difficult to maintain conduction times over longer axons and electrical cable properties over longer dendrites. With more neurons, it becomes difficult for each neuron to maintain its proportion of connections with other neurons. These problems are addressed by making brains more modular, thereby reducing the lengths of many connections, and by altering functions. Smaller brains may not have enough neurons for all circuits, and they may lose modules and functions. Mammals with more neocortex tend to have more cortical areas and more columns and types of columns within the larger areas.

Keywords: area; axon; column; evolution; module; neuron; scaling

Language: English

Document Type: Regular paper

Affiliations: 1: Department of Psychology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, U.S.A., e-mail:, Jon.Kaas@Vanderbilt.Edu

Publication date: 2000-04-01