Exploring the origin of the human brain via the histology of vertebrate cerebrum, cerebellum, and brainstem

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  • Akiyoshi Ryohei
    National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Tokyo Medical Center Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center
  • Kaga Kimitaka
    National Institute of Sensory Organs, National Tokyo Medical Center Department of Otolaryngology, Kamio Memorial Hospital

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Other Title
  • 脊椎動物の大脳・脳幹の組織学標本からヒトの脳の起源を探る
  • セキツイ ドウブツ ノ ダイノウ ・ ノウカン ノ ソシキガク ヒョウホン カラ ヒト ノ ノウ ノ キゲン オ サグル

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Abstract

<p>In Darwin’s evolution theory, vertebrates have developed their brains for adaptation in their environments. The structure of different vertebrate brains is specific to each species. Although the histology of their central nervous system correlating with the behaviors in vertebrates has been investigated, limited reports discuss the comparison between each brain function and behavior in vertebrates.</p><p>In this study, we observed the histology of the telencephalon (cerebrum), cerebellum, and midbrain of Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Birds, and Mammals and investigated the common morphology in evolution. Fish or Amphibians are found to have larger volumes and more complex cytoarchitectural structures in the midbrain and cerebellum, suggesting that the midbrain is a higher center of the brain with a highly developed optic tectum. Conversely, Reptiles, Birds, or Mammals are found to have larger volumes in the telencephalon and layered structures with neuropils on the surface of the telencephalon. In the cerebellum of all species, we observed three-layered structures and Purkinje cells, suggesting that the cerebellum is an essential brain structure in all vertebrates to maintain their posture and locomotion for survival.</p><p>The Hegelian theory of recapitulation states that “Ontogeny recapitulates phylogeny”; this could give us a clue to think about the origin of human brains in our study as well.</p>

Journal

  • Otology Japan

    Otology Japan 32 (1), 39-46, 2022

    Japan Otological Society

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