While the cerebral cortex is remarkably resilient, it is also the primary site for devastating neurodegenerative conditions.
Recent scientific efforts focus on protecting these delicate structures. Research into and the role of antioxidants aims to slow the aging process of cortical neurons. Furthermore, imaging techniques used by organizations like the Science Photo Library allow researchers to visualize how toxins or metabolic disturbances affect specific brain regions. s175-057-lg.jpg
: The microscopic gaps where chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) bridge the divide between cells. While the cerebral cortex is remarkably resilient, it
