Cerebral Cortex and Brain Functions

A set of flashcards covering key vocabulary terms related to the cerebral cortex and its functions.

Cerebral Cortex

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body's ultimate control and information-processing center.

Frontal Lobes

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking, muscle movements, and making plans and judgments.

Parietal Lobes

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position.

Occipital Lobes

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields.

Temporal Lobes

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear.

Motor Cortex

An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements.

Association Areas

Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking.

Plasticity

The brain's ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience.

Neurogenesis

The formation of new neurons.