Cytochrome oxidase blobs: a call for more anatomy

An ordered relation of structure and function has been a cornerstone in thinking about brain organization. Like the brain itself, however, this is not straightforward and is confounded both by functional intricacy and structural plasticity (many routes to a given outcome). As a striking case of putative structure-function correlation, this mini-review focuses on the relatively well-characterized pattern of cytochrome oxidase (CO) blobs (aka patches or puffs) in the supragranular layers of macaque monkey visual cortex. The pattern is without doubt visually compelling, and the semi-dichotomous array of CO+ blobs and CO- interblobs is consistent with multiple studies reporting compartment-specific preferential connectivity and distinctive physiological response properties. Nevertheless, as briefly reviewed here, the finer anatomical organization of this system is surprisingly under-investigated, and the relation to functional aspects, therefore, unclear. Microcircuitry, cell type, and three-dimensional spatiotemporal level investigations of the CO+CO- pattern are needed and may open new views to structure-function organization of visual cortex, and to phylogenetic and ontogenetic comparisons across nonhuman primates (NHP), and between NHP and humans. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The ordered relation of structure and function in understanding brain organization is complex, with the cytochrome oxidase (CO) blobs in the macaque monkey visual cortex demonstrating compartment-specific connectivity and response properties. However, the finer anatomical organization and functional implications of this system remain unclear and require further investigation.