Journal of Scientific Research and Reports

This opinion article examines the potential contribution of interlaminar astrocytes (ILAs) to the organisation of human neocortical functions. It reviews the morphological specialisations and developmental characteristics of cortical astrocytes, with particular attention to the location of ILA cell bodies in layer I, their descending processes and their association with radial glial lineages. On this anatomical basis, the article proposes a hypothetical population of pan-neocortical interlaminar astrocytes (pILAs) whose processes could extend towards layers V and VI. The framework considers how these proposed extensions might interact with local protoplasmic and deep-layer astrocytic networks through metabolic, ionic and gap-junction-mediated mechanisms. To illustrate the proposed arrangement, the neocortex is described as a series of functional floors connected by astroglial 'elevators'. The article also extends the Cognitive Hexagon conceptually by positioning gliascience as a central dimension in the study of cognition. These functional and disciplinary mappings are presented as heuristic proposals rather than established anatomical or cognitive classifications. The discussion distinguishes reported properties of interlaminar astrocytes from the unverified possibility of a continuous whole-depth glial axis. It further outlines experimental approaches and potential falsification criteria involving selective astrocytic activation, gap-junction perturbation, morphometric analysis and mechanosensitivity. Direct structural and physiological evidence remains necessary to determine whether the proposed connections exist and contribute to neocortical coordination.