John Allman, Ph.D.
Professor of Biology
California Institute of Technology

The Von Economo Neurons: a Recently Evolved Specialization In The Human Brain

The Von Economo neurons (VENs) are large, bipolar cells located in anterior cingulate (ACC) and fronto-insular (FI) cortex. They are distinguished from pyramidal cells because they have only a single large basal dendrite whereas pyramidal cells have an array of smaller basal dendrites extending from the cell body. They are found only in humans and great apes and are far more abundant in humans than in apes. They are thus a phylogenetic specialization that has arisen within the last 15 million years in hominoids and have proliferated greatly within the human line of descent. They emerge mainly after birth. Their location, immunocytochemistry, and pathology suggest that they are involved in decision-making under a high degree of uncertainty and in the experience of complex social emotions.

Dr. Allan's main research interest involves brain evolution as revealed through the comparative study of brain structure and with the neural mechanisms of economic and social decision-making. Details about his talk will be available soon.