Von Economo Neurons

A decade ago, a team of neuroscientists demonstrated that so-called Von Economo neurons, or spindle neurons, are found only in the hominoids (human and Great non-human primates). These nerve cells are distinguished from common neurons by their longer size and spindle shape. Spindle neurons reach deeper layers of the brain, making them ideal for connecting the distant strata. John Allman, a staff member, believes that these cells are tailored for the larger brains, adding to them the necessary connectivity.

In brain dissection of a large number of mammals, these cells were found only in humans and their immediate relatives, but were absent in all other primates, such as monkeys.24 von Economo neurons are particularly large and abundant in our species, and are found in a brain region that is of essential importance in relation to traits considered “human”. Injury to this particular region results in a particular type of dementia characterized by loss of understanding of the perspective of the other, of empathy, of shame, of humor, and of the notion of the future.

Excerpt from the book The era of the marriage of Frans de Waal

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