Cortex cerebri
Cerebral Cortex
The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the cerebrum. It is
an important part of our brain and is responsible for many of the complex functions that make a human human. Information from the rest of the body is received, analyzed and interpreted in the cerebral cortex.
The brain is made up of gray and white matter.
The gray matter (gray cells) consists of the brain cells (neurons), and the branched extensions of those cells (dendrites).
The white matter consists of the extensions (axons) of the brain cells that form the connections to other brain cells and areas. The axons are colored white by an insulating layer around them, called
myelin or myelin sheath.
The cerebral cortex is divided into different areas, each specialized in specific tasks, such as processing what we see (visual processing) and what we hear (auditory information), being able to make movements (motor control), language, conscious thought, planning, and making decisions.
Thanks to the cerebral cortex, a person can think, learn, and adapt to new situations. This complex network of nerve cells, in a thinly folded layer of brain tissue, makes the unique ability for problem solving and creativity possible and allows a person to perform complex tasks or be aware of the environment.
The German neurologist and anatomist Korbinian Brodmann described several brain areas in the cerebral cortex in the early 20th century. He used microscopic examination to identify the different in-cell structures in the cerebral cortex. He gave each area a number and each area is associated with specific functions.
The four lobes of the brain
- The frontal lobe, lobus frontalis is located, as the name suggests, in the forehead.
- The temporal lobe, lobus temporalis is located near the temples, just above the ears.
- The occipital lobe, lobus occipitalis is located at the back of the brain.
- The parietal lobe, lobus parietalis is located higher up at the back and posterior wall.
The cerebellum also has a cerebral cortex, which is called the cortex cerebelli.
Information about gray and white matter:
Information about white matter diseases and white matter abnormalities:
Information about the cerebral cortex of the cerebellum (cortex cerebelli):
Information about the brain areas located below the cerebral cortex (subcortical brain structures or subcortex):
https://www.braininjury-explanation.com/impact-of-brain-injury-per-brain-area#subcortex