In the human brain, there is a set of the most important, interconnected nerve cells. This is the so-called "big eight", which guides other nerve cells. This discovery belongs to American and Dutch specialists in the person of Olaf Sporns from the University of Indiana and Martine van den Hevel from the University of Utrecht.

It was possible to detect these cells due to diffusion magnetic resonance imaging. This kind of tomography allows you to observe the movement of water molecules along the sheath of nerve fibers, revealing the system of interrelations between the cell and neighboring neurons.

The brain of a group of volunteers from 21 people was scanned. Scientists have compared the activity maps of their nerve cells. On the cards there were 12 small, but very active and related groups of neurons. They all correlated with hundreds of nerve cells in other areas of the brain.

Some of these neurons were found on the surface of the cortex of the hemispheres, in the deep layers of the hippocampus, the center of emotions and memory.

When the work of this group of neurons is disrupted, various disruptions in the functioning of the brain are possible, the researchers emphasize.. According to them, it is very important to understand that "the main neurons" constantly "consult" with each other, exchanging information.

News. Gradusnik. En.