MODULE 12 — The Cerebral Cortex

Cerebral cortex

Thin layer of neural cells covering cerebral hemispheres; ultimate control and processing center.

Frontal lobes

Involved in speaking, planning, judgment, and muscle movements.

Parietal lobes

Processes touch and body position.

Occipital lobes

Processes visual information.

Temporal lobes

Processes auditory information.

Motor cortex

Controls voluntary movements; located at rear of frontal lobes.

Somatosensory cortex

Registers and processes body touch and movement sensations; in parietal lobes.

Association areas

Regions involved in higher mental functions like learning, remembering, and thinking.

Prefrontal cortex

Part of frontal lobe responsible for planning and decision-making.

Plasticity

Brain’s ability to change and reorganize after damage.

Neurogenesis

Formation of new neurons.