Cortical

From WikiMD's WELLNESSPEDIA

Cortical The term cortical refers to the outer layer of an organ or structure, particularly the cerebral cortex of the brain. The cerebral cortex is a critical part of the brain involved in many high-level functions, including perception, thought, memory, and consciousness.

Structure[edit]

The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres, each of which is further divided into four lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe. Each lobe is associated with different functions:

Function[edit]

The cerebral cortex plays a key role in many complex brain functions, including:

Layers[edit]

The cerebral cortex is composed of six distinct layers, each with different types of neurons and functions:

  • Layer I: Molecular layer
  • Layer II: External granular layer
  • Layer III: External pyramidal layer
  • Layer IV: Internal granular layer
  • Layer V: Internal pyramidal layer
  • Layer VI: Multiform layer

Clinical Significance[edit]

Damage to the cerebral cortex can result in a variety of neurological conditions, including:

Related Pages[edit]