Neocortex
Neocortex
Neocortex (/niːoʊˈkɔːrteks/; from Greek, neo meaning "new" and cortex meaning "bark, shell, rind, hull") is the part of the mammalian brain involved in higher-order brain functions such as sensory perception, cognition, generation of motor commands, spatial reasoning, and language.
Etymology
The term "neocortex" is derived from the Greek words neo, meaning "new", and cortex, which translates to "bark, shell, rind, hull". This term was first used in the late 19th century to differentiate this part of the brain from the older, more primitive structures of the cerebral cortex.
Structure
The neocortex is made up of six layers, each with a specific function. These layers are, from outermost to innermost: molecular layer (layer I), external granular layer (layer II), external pyramidal layer (layer III), internal granular layer (layer IV), internal pyramidal layer (layer V), and multiform layer (layer VI).
Function
The neocortex plays a crucial role in higher-order brain functions. It is involved in processing sensory information, executing motor commands, spatial reasoning, conscious thought, and in humans, language.
Related Terms
- Cerebral cortex: The outermost layer of the brain, visible to the naked eye, and divided into two hemispheres.
- Grey matter: Contains most of the brain's neuronal cell bodies. The grey matter includes regions of the brain involved in muscle control, sensory perception such as seeing and hearing, memory, emotions, speech, decision making, and self-control.
- White matter: Composed of bundles of myelinated nerve cell processes (or axons), which connect various grey matter areas (the locations of nerve cell bodies) of the brain to each other, and carry nerve impulses between neurons.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Neocortex
- Wikipedia's article - Neocortex
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