The cingulate cortex

Abstract

The cingulate cortex has been extensively examined. The unusual structural organisation of the cingulate cortex, covering a significant region and many Brodmann areas, is reflected in both its connections and the distribution of research focus. The anterior cingulate cortex, Brodmann area 24, includes the subgenual region and has been the overwhelming focus of post-mortem research. Whilst such issues as whole anterior cingulate volume are still inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of findings both from imaging and pathology, the number of high-quality studies showing neuronal, glial and synaptic change in the anterior cingulate seem to confirm that there is significant disruption in schizophrenia. Fine anatomical breakdown of the results also suggests support for cingulate disruption being focused on issues of connectivity with common findings of pathological alterations in layer V.