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Cerebrum Structure and Function

Cerebrum Overview

  • The cerebrum is divided into the cortex, white matter, and deep gray matter, resembling an Oreo cookie.
  • The cortex contains gray matter, while white matter lies beneath and there is gray matter again deeper in the cerebrum.

Cerebral Cortex

  • The cerebral cortex features:
    • Gyri: Raised folds of brain tissue.
    • Sulci: Grooves between the gyri.
  • A few millimeters of gray matter is present in the cortex, which has been previously studied.

White Matter

  • White matter is found underneath the cortex and consists of myelinated neurons.
  • There are three types of white matter fibers that facilitate communication within the brain:
    1. Commissural Fibers: Connect the left and right hemispheres of the brain, with the corpus callosum being the largest. This band of white matter allows for communication between the two hemispheres.
    2. Projection Fibers: Connect the cortex to other parts of the cerebrum, brain, or spinal cord. These fibers project vertically from lower areas to higher areas within the same hemisphere.
    3. Association Fibers: Connect different gyri within the same hemisphere, facilitating communication between areas of the cerebrum.

Deep Gray Matter

  • Deep gray matter consists of structures known as basal nuclei.
  • The basal nuclei play a crucial role in coordinating movement. Dysfunction in this area is associated with conditions like Parkinson's disease, characterized by tremors due to basal nuclei impairment.
  • Nuclei refer to clusters of cell bodies located in the Central Nervous System (CNS) for neuron function, such as the caudate nucleus, which is situated deep within the cerebrum.
  • Overall, the relationship among the cortex, white matter, and deep gray matter ensures effective brain function, particularly concerning movement and communication.