Tangential migration is a mode of neuronal movement involved in cortical development. Which option correctly identifies this migration?

Tangential migration is a mode of neuronal movement involved in cortical development. Which option correctly identifies this migration?

• A. Radial migration
• B. Tangential migration
• C. Lateral migration
• D. Apical migration

Answer: (B)

Neuronal movement in cortical development happens mainly in two modes: radial and tangential. Radial migration moves neurons outward from the ventricular zone toward the cortical surface along radial glial fibers, perpendicular to the surface. Tangential migration, by contrast, moves neurons parallel to the surface, traveling along the plane of the cortex. The described process is tangential migration because it involves movement along the cortical plane, a pattern typical for interneurons traveling from subcortical regions (like the ganglionic eminences) into the cortex before they settle into their final layers. Radial migration is the outward, perpendicular path to form cortical layers, while apical migration would refer to movement toward the ventricular surface and isn’t the same as tangential movement. Lateral migration isn’t the standard term used for this cortical movement.

Neuronal movement in cortical development happens mainly in two modes: radial and tangential. Radial migration moves neurons outward from the ventricular zone toward the cortical surface along radial glial fibers, perpendicular to the surface. Tangential migration, by contrast, moves neurons parallel to the surface, traveling along the plane of the cortex. The described process is tangential migration because it involves movement along the cortical plane, a pattern typical for interneurons traveling from subcortical regions (like the ganglionic eminences) into the cortex before they settle into their final layers. Radial migration is the outward, perpendicular path to form cortical layers, while apical migration would refer to movement toward the ventricular surface and isn’t the same as tangential movement. Lateral migration isn’t the standard term used for this cortical movement.