Question

Neurons in the deep layers of the primary visual cortex will most likely be projecting to _________ areas.

a. non-cortical

b. subcortical

c. thalamic

d. deep-brain

e. All of these answers are correct.

Answer 1

e. e. All of these answers are correct.

Explanation: layer IV, V, VI are the deep layer of the primary visual cortex.

Layer V, the internal pyramidal layer, contains large pyramidal neurons. Axons from these leave the cortex and connect with subcortical structures including the basal ganglia. In the primary motor cortex of the frontal lobe, layer V contains giant pyramidal cells called Betz cells, whose axons travel through the internal capsule, the brain stem, and the spinal cord forming the corticospinal tract, which is the main pathway for voluntary motor control.

layer VI sends efferent fibers to the thalamus, establishing a very precise reciprocal interconnection between the cortex and the thalamus.