Lecture on the Cerebral Cortex

Introduction

• The cerebral cortex is the layer of gray matter on the outside of the cerebrum.
• Key structures:
  • Cerebrum
  • Cerebellum
  • Brainstem

Surface Features

• Gyri (plural): Ridges on the cerebral cortex
  • Gyrus (singular)
• Sulci (plural): Small grooves on either side of a gyrus
  • Sulcus (singular)
• Fissures: Large grooves

Lobes of the Brain

• Named after the bones of the skull:
  • Frontal lobe: Under the frontal bone
  • Parietal lobe: Next to the parietal bone
  • Temporal lobe: Next to the temporal bone
  • Occipital lobe: Next to the occipital bone
• Additional areas are located in fissures and between cerebral hemispheres.

Functions of the Cerebral Cortex

• Most complex part of the nervous system
• Important for higher functions like cognition, emotion, and consciousness
• Sensory and Motor Functions:
  • Visual and somatosensory information from one side of the body is processed on the opposite side of the brain.
  • Motor functions are controlled by the opposite side of the cerebral cortex.
  • For other senses, areas of the cerebral cortex on both sides process the information.
  • Primary Cortex: Performs basic motor or sensory functions
  • Association Cortex: Performs complex processing by associating different types of information
    • Example: Planning of movements, integrating sensory info.

Cognition and Language

• High-level functions associated with association cortex
• Language:
  • Typically managed by the left hemisphere
  • Some individuals may have language functions in both hemispheres or predominately on the right side.

Attention

• Various areas involved in attention
• Right hemisphere plays a key role in attention to both sides of the body and environment.
  • Left hemisphere typically focuses on the right side of the body and environment.

Summary

• Overview of structure and function of the cerebral cortex

• Interconnectedness with other areas of the nervous system

  • Example: Motor cortex works with the basal ganglia and cerebellum.

• Further details on the structure and connection of the cerebral cortex will be discussed in later lectures.