Cerebral cortex
In this lesson, we'll look more in-depth at the cerebral cortex, a critically important part of the brain that enables perception, thought, language, and voluntary action, among other things.
1) Start with this video:
2) Then, read this article:
Know Your Brain - Cerebral Cortex
3) Watch this video to learn more about the lobes of the cerebral cortex:
4) Watch this video to learn more about the sulci and gyri of the cortex:
5) Finally, answer these questions to test your understanding:
1. This deep groove separates the left and right cerebral hemispheres:
- A. central sulcus
- B. corpus callosum
- C. Sylvian fissure
- D. longitudinal fissure
Show Answer
Correct answer: D
The longitudinal fissure is a deep groove that runs along the middle of the brain, separating it into two cerebral hemispheres. It is one of the most recognizable features of the brain.
2. Most of the cerebral cortex in humans is organized into ____ layers, which are distinguished from one another by differences in cell type and cell density.
- A. 2
- B. 4
- C. 5
- D. 6
Show Answer
Correct answer: D
Most of the cerebral cortex in humans is arranged in six layers, which are distinguished from one another by differences in cell type and cell density.
3. The cerebral cortex is covered with a collection of grooves and ridges. What are the ridges called?
- A. gyri
- B. fissures
- C. sulci
- D. transversals
Show Answer
Correct answer: A
The ridges that are formed from the folding of the cerebral cortex are called gyri (singular: gyrus). The grooves are called sulci (singular: sulcus).
4. Most of the cerebral cortex in humans is considered:
- A. neocortex
- B. allocortex
- C. mesocortex
- D. paleocortex
Show Answer
Correct answer: A
Most of the cerebral cortex in humans is classified as neocortex, which is so named because it is thought to have appeared relatively recently in vertebrate evolution. The rest of the cerebral cortex is made up of either allocortex or mesocortex, which is a transition area between the neocortex and allocortex.
5. This sulcus divides the frontal lobe from the parietal lobe:
- A. calcarine sulcus
- B. central sulcus
- C. lateral sulcus
- D. cingulate sulcus
Show Answer
Correct answer: B
The central sulcus is a fissure that runs down the side of the brain and separates the frontal and parietal lobes.
