Cerebral cortex

Cerebral cortex, side view

Blausen 0103 Brain Sensory&Motor

Human motor cortex.jpg

Minute structure of the cerebral cortex

Cajal cortex drawings

Visual cortex - low mag.jpg

Cerebral cortex
File:Cerebral cortex location.png Location of the cerebral cortex
Details
Part of	Cerebrum
System	Central nervous system
Identifiers
Latin	Cortex cerebri
TA98
TH	{{#property:P1694}}
TE	{{#property:P1693}}
FMA	{{#property:P1402}}
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy

The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the cerebrum in the brain of mammals. It plays a key role in memory, attention, perception, cognition, awareness, thought, language, and consciousness. The cerebral cortex is divided into two halves, the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere, each of which is further divided into four lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

Structure

The cerebral cortex is composed of gray matter, which consists of neuronal cell bodies, dendrites, and synapses. Beneath the gray matter lies the white matter, which is made up of myelinated axons that connect different parts of the cortex with each other and with other parts of the brain.

Layers

The cerebral cortex is typically described as having six layers, each with distinct types of neurons and connections:

1. The molecular layer (Layer I)
2. The external granular layer (Layer II)
3. The external pyramidal layer (Layer III)
4. The internal granular layer (Layer IV)
5. The internal pyramidal layer (Layer V)
6. The multiform layer (Layer VI)

Function

The cerebral cortex is involved in many complex brain functions, including:

• Sensory perception: Processing sensory information from the thalamus.
• Motor control: Planning and executing voluntary movements.
• Language: Involvement in Broca's area and Wernicke's area.
• Cognition: Higher-order functions such as problem-solving, decision-making, and planning.
• Emotion: Interaction with the limbic system.

Development

The development of the cerebral cortex begins in the embryo and continues into early adulthood. The process involves the proliferation of neural progenitor cells, their migration to the appropriate locations, and their differentiation into various types of neurons and glial cells.

Clinical significance

Damage to the cerebral cortex can result in a variety of neurological and psychological disorders, depending on the location and extent of the damage. Common conditions include:

• Stroke
• Traumatic brain injury
• Epilepsy
• Alzheimer's disease
• Parkinson's disease

Research

Ongoing research into the cerebral cortex aims to better understand its functions and to develop treatments for disorders that affect it. Techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG) are commonly used in this research.

See also

• Cerebral hemisphere
• Neocortex
• Prefrontal cortex
• Cerebral cortex functions
• Cerebral cortex disorders

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