Cerebral Cortex Overview

Flashcards designed to review key concepts related to the cerebral cortex and its functions, structures, and pathological conditions.

What is the primary function of the cerebral cortex?

It is responsible for various cognitive and mental activities, including consciousness, executive functions, free will, personality, skilled movements, language, and emotions.

What separates the two cerebral hemispheres?

The longitudinal fissure.

What is the role of the precentral gyrus?

It contains the primary motor areas.

What type of neurons are primarily found in the neocortex?

Pyramidal and granular neurons.

How many layers are in the neocortex?

There are six layers designated I, II, III, IV, V, VI.

What is the function of dendritic spines in pyramidal neurons?

They are sites of synapses that are selectively modified as a result of learning.

What are the major types of fibers enveloping cortical structures?

Intracortical, association, commissural, and projection fibers.

What does the corpus callosum connect?

It connects the two hemispheres of the brain at the parietal and posterior parts of the frontal lobes.

What is Broca's area responsible for?

It is involved in speech production and language processing.

What happens when Wernicke's area is damaged?

It results in receptive aphasia, affecting the ability to understand spoken and written language.

What is the primary function of the primary somatosensory cortex?

It processes sensory information from contralateral peripheral receptors.

What are mirror neurons associated with?

They are linked to social cognition, language, empathy, and motor learning.

What distinguishes male from female brain anatomy in terms of white matter tracts?

White matter tracts are larger in females than in males, despite overall brain size being larger in males.

What is conduction aphasia?

It is a condition where an individual has difficulty repeating words while comprehension and production of language remain intact.

What is the main function of the primary visual cortex?

It receives, integrates, and processes visual information from the retinas.

What is the role of the supplementary motor area (SMA)?

It plays a role in planning and coordinating motor activities.