Cerebral cortex

Definition

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-order brain functions such as thought, memory, and decision-making. It is divided into four lobes: frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The cerebral cortex is involved in sensory perception and motor commands.
2. It plays a key role in language processing and comprehension.
3. The frontal lobe of the cerebral cortex is essential for voluntary movement and planning.
4. Damage to the temporal lobe can affect memory and understanding of language.
5. The occipital lobe processes visual information from the eyes.

Review Questions

• What are the primary functions of the cerebral cortex?
• Which lobe of the cerebral cortex is crucial for processing visual information?
• How does damage to different lobes of the cerebral cortex affect brain function?

Related terms

Neuron: A nerve cell that transmits electrical signals throughout the nervous system.

Synapse: The junction between two neurons where communication occurs through neurotransmitters.

Thalamus: A brain structure that acts as a relay station, directing sensory signals to appropriate areas of the cerebral cortex.