Astrocytes and Developing Neocortex

I continue my investigation of Santiago Ramón y Cajal's drawings that are currently on display at the National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD.  Below are my drawings/studies of his "Astrocytes" and "Developing Neocortex" scientific drawings.

Astrocytes are star shaped glial cells.  They exist throughout the entire brain and spinal cord and perform many important functions, for example:  regulate and transmit ions and glucose between the blood vessels and the brain.

In the human brain, the neocortex comprises the creases,"trenches," and furrows that are visible on the top outer layer of three dimensional representations.  This tangled, complex jungle of cells are part of many processes like conscious thought, sensory perception, and language.

Dawn Hunter, study of Cajal's scientific Astrocytes drawing, pen and marker on paper, 11" x 14"

Dawn Hunter, study of Cajal's Developing Neocortex drawing, pen and marker on paper, 11" x 14"

Any man could, if he were so inclined, be the sculptor of his own brain.

-Santiago Ramón y Cajal