Spatial and temporal changes in expression and function of integrin receptors in the developing cerebral wall parallel neurogenesis, radial glial differentiation, neuronal migration and the emergence of neuronal layers in the cerebral cortex. The distinct outcomes of integrin and extracellular matrix ligand mutations underscore the dynamic role they play in these processes during corticogenesis. The changing patterns of adhesive interactions mediated by integrins and their ligands across the cerebral wall during embryogenesis may set in motion developmental programs needed for progressive acquisition of different neuronal or glial phenotypes in the cerebral cortex. Here we discuss the role of integrins during cortical layer formation.