Are there neural loops within a column or an area of the cortex?
I've read evidence for single-neuron, two-neuron, and larger loops/cycles throughout the cortex, including intralaminar, interlaminar, and interareal neural loops. But it would take me far too long to back that statement up.

Instead, I offer a list of papers to get you started. I've read all these papers, and they all provide evidence for neural loops in the cortex, especially two-neuron loops. Within these papers, search for "loop", "reciprocal", and, if you're interested in single-neuron loops, "autapse".

References


  
  Alonso, J.-M. (2002) Neural Connections and Receptive Field Properties in the Primary Visual Cortex. The Neuroscientist. 8(5):443-456
  Feldmeyer, D. (2012) Excitatory Neuronal Connectivity in the Barrel Cortex. Frontiers in Neuroanatomy. 6(24):1-22
  Rockland, K.S. and Knutson, T. (2000) Feedback Connections from Area MT of the Squirrel Monkey to Areas V1 and V2. The Journal of Comparative Neurology. 425:345-368
  Thomson, A.M., West, D.C., Wang, Y., and Bannnister, A.P. (2002) Synaptic Connections and Small Circuits Involving Excitatory and Inhibitory Neurons in Layers 2-5 of Adult Rat and Cat Neocortex: Triple Intracellular Recordings and Biocytin Labelling In Vitro. Cerebral Cortex. 12:936-953