The cortex is a highly organized structure that develops from the caudal regions of the segmented neural tube. Its spatial organization sets the stage for future functional arealization. Here, we suggest using a developmental perspective to describe and understand the etiology of common cortical malformations and their manifestation in the human brain.
Keywords: cortical development; forebrain; holoprosencephaly; lissencephaly; neuronal migration; signaling factors; telencephalon.