Cerebral cortex
Cerebral Cortex
The Cerebral Cortex (pronunciation: /sɪˈriːbrəl ˈkɔːrteks/) is the outermost layer of the brain, visible to the naked eye and divided into two hemispheres. The cerebral cortex plays a key role in memory, attention, perception, cognition, awareness, thought, language, and consciousness.
Etymology
The term "cerebral cortex" comes from the Latin cerebrum for "brain," and the Latin cortex which means "bark" or "rind". This is in reference to the cerebral cortex's role as the outer layer of the brain, much like the bark of a tree.
Structure
The cerebral cortex is made up of neuronal cells, making it the part of the brain responsible for higher functions. It is divided into four lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe, and temporal lobe. Each lobe is responsible for different functions.
Function
The cerebral cortex is involved in several functions of the body including:
- Determining Intelligence
- Determining Personality
- Motor Function
- Planning and Organization
- Touch Sensation
- Processing Sensory Information
- Language Processing
Related Terms
- Neuron: The basic working unit of the brain, a specialized cell designed to transmit information to other nerve cells, muscle, or gland cells.
- Frontal Lobe: The part of the brain associated with motor control, decision making, problem-solving, and planning.
- Parietal Lobe: The part of the brain involved in orientation, recognition, and perception of stimuli.
- Occipital Lobe: The visual processing center of the mammalian brain.
- Temporal Lobe: The part of the brain involved in processing sensory input into derived meanings for the appropriate retention of visual memory, language comprehension, and emotion association.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cerebral cortex
- Wikipedia's article - Cerebral cortex
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