THE CEREBRAL CORTEX 67 



contains many fine neuraxons whose course can be traced to the surface layer though their 

 origin is not seen in the plate. They present a very much finer appearance than the apical 

 processes of the cell near to which they lie. 



Plate XL. shows the small pyramidal cells (/) of the second cortical layer. These are 

 more distinctly triangular than those shown in Plate XXXIX., and have longer apical processes 

 as they lie at a deeper level. The number of branches from the apical process is larger. 



The apical process or stalk of the pyramidal cell is for some distance almost as large as 

 the cell body, and it is many times as long, but gradually becomes narrower and lies straight, 

 and finally divides like a dendrite into branches. In its ascent toward the surface it con- 

 stantly gives off branches which pursue the same direction or which turn upward soon after 

 passing away from the stalk. In Plate XL. such branches of the apical process are very clearly 

 seen. As the apical process becomes more slender, it often appears to present a varicose 

 appearance, and such varicosities are also seen in its branches. 



