"I have been functionally characterizing the neural cells of the pallium portion of the cortical bran tissue in a developing anoxic turtle species. Our goal is to create a functional neural model of the pyramidal neurons present in this portion of the vertebrate cerebrum. We have devised a valid and reliable protocol for neuronal isolation and used this to begin characterizing the cells through immunocytochemistry techniques. Our aim is to use the characteristics of the cells isolated from the cortical sheet to support the conclusion of cell type and function in this tissue."