The cerebral cortex is the brain's outer layer, crucial for cognitive functions, sensory data interpretation, and voluntary muscle activity. It's divided into four lobes, each with specialized roles: the frontal lobe for executive functions, the parietal lobe for sensory information, the occipital lobe for visual processing, and the temporal lobe for auditory information and memory. The motor and somatosensory cortices, along with association areas, facilitate movement, sensation, and higher cognitive processes.
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The cerebral cortex is composed of billions of neurons and trillions of synapses, supported by glial cells
Frontal Lobe
The frontal lobe is responsible for executive functions, such as reasoning, planning, and voluntary movement
Parietal Lobe
The parietal lobe processes sensory information from the body
Occipital Lobe
The occipital lobe is the center for visual processing
Temporal Lobe
The temporal lobe manages auditory information and is crucial for memory and language comprehension
The motor cortex orchestrates voluntary movements, while the somatosensory cortex processes sensory input from various parts of the body
Glial cells play an active role in brain function, aiding in maintaining homeostasis, supporting and protecting neurons, and participating in signal transmission
Association areas synthesize information from various sensory modalities, contributing to complex cognitive tasks such as reasoning, communication, and decision making
Case studies, such as that of Phineas Gage, have provided valuable insights into the critical role of the cerebral cortex in personality and social behavior
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Cerebral cortex percentage of brain mass
Constitutes approximately 85% of the brain's mass.
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Role of glial cells in the brain
Maintain homeostasis, support and protect neurons, assist in signal transmission.
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Neuron-synapse relationship in the cerebral cortex
Billions of neurons interconnected by trillions of synapses.
