The Nikon MicroscopyU confocal microscopy image gallery was created with a PCM-2000 confocal scanning system interfaced to a Nikon Eclipse E600 upright microscope. Images were recorded in successive z-axis serial sections with C-Imaging Systems software with excitation illumination provided by an argon-ion and/or a helium-neon laser.

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The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that sets humans apart from and above all other animals. This sector is primarily responsible for interpreting information sent by the senses such as sight, sound, smell and touch as well as initiating voluntary directed action such as walking or talking. Although most mammals, even small animals such as rats, possess the important surface layer called the "new cortex" or neocortex, it is most highly developed in the human brain. Strikingly, the fundamental building structures of the neocortex such as neurons and supporting cells are the same throughout the animal kingdom. Both humans and rats have the same type of neurons, which are comprised of the same basic type of genetic constitution. The distinguishing characteristic between the brain of a human and any other animal is found in the surface area of the neocortex. Disproportionately large in humans compared to other animals, the neocortex appears to grant the privilege of higher mental abilities. These higher processes include such intellectual pursuits as planning, reasoning, and problem solving. Some scientists believe that the neocortex is linked to self-awareness and consciousness.

The neocortex covers the uppermost portion of the cerebral cortex and is comprised entirely of gray matter. In order fit within the confines of the skull, the neocortex folds into itself so that two-thirds of the cortex is hidden in the depths and crevices. The highly convoluted and deeply fissured and grooved surface gives the surface a walnut-like appearance. The neocortex is not uniformly thick, but varies from three to five millimeters in thickness depending on the location. More highly utilized processing centers such as those regulating vision have greater thickness. However, is appears that the spectacular difference that privileges humans over all other animals is mainly due to the increase in neocortical surface area. As the surface area increases, so too does the total number of neurons and possible operations that the human brain can perform.