The cerebral cortex is the largest and most developed part of the human brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification and central nervous system Central nervous system The main information-processing organs of the nervous system, consisting of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification (CNS). Occupying the upper part of the cranial cavity, the cerebral cortex has 4 lobes and is divided into 2 hemispheres that are joined centrally by the corpus callosum. The cortex is organized in gyri that are separated by sulci. The cerebral cortex provides the neural substrate Substrate A substance upon which the enzyme acts. Basics of Enzymes for the conscious experience of sensory Sensory Neurons which conduct nerve impulses to the central nervous system. Nervous System: Histology stimuli.
Last updated: 9 May, 2022
The cerebral cortex is the outermost layer of the brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification:
The cerebrum is the largest portion of the brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification. The cerebrum is composed of gray matter (cerebral cortex) and underlying white matter White Matter The region of central nervous system that appears lighter in color than the other type, gray matter. It mainly consists of myelinated nerve fibers and contains few neuronal cell bodies or dendrites. Brown-Séquard Syndrome structures:
The embryonic development of the cerebrum: note the lineage starting from the neural tube Neural tube A tube of ectodermal tissue in an embryo that will give rise to the central nervous system, including the spinal cord and the brain. Lumen within the neural tube is called neural canal which gives rise to the central canal of the spinal cord and the ventricles of the brain. Gastrulation and Neurulation → prosencephalon Prosencephalon The anterior of the three primitive cerebral vesicles of the embryonic brain arising from the neural tube. It subdivides to form diencephalon and telencephalon. Development of the Nervous System and Face → telencephalon Telencephalon The anterior subdivision of the embryonic prosencephalon or the corresponding part of the adult prosencephalon that includes the cerebrum and associated structures. Development of the Nervous System and Face → cerebrum
Image: “ Brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification Vesicle Vesicle Primary Skin Lesions” by Phil Schatz. License: CC BY 4.0The locations of the lateral sulcus, central sulcus, and parieto- occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy sulcus
Image by Lecturio.The medial surface of the left cerebral hemisphere: Note the location of the collateral sulcus separating the lingual gyrus from the fusiform gyrus, the calcarine fissure Fissure A crack or split that extends into the dermis Generalized and Localized Rashes separating the cuneus gyrus from the lingual gyrus, and the parieto- occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy sulcus separating the parietal Parietal One of a pair of irregularly shaped quadrilateral bones situated between the frontal bone and occipital bone, which together form the sides of the cranium. Skull: Anatomy lobe from the occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy lobe.
Image by Lecturio.The image demonstrates the location of some key structures, including each of the 4 lobes, the precentral and postcentral gyrus, and the central, lateral, and parieto- occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy sulci.
Image: “Lobes of Cerebral Cortex” by OpenStax Anatomy and Physiology. License: CC BY 4.0The primary arterial supply throughout the cerebrum: Note the regions covered by the anterior cerebral artery Anterior cerebral artery Artery formed by the bifurcation of the internal carotid artery. Branches of the anterior cerebral artery supply the caudate nucleus; internal capsule; putamen; septal nuclei; gyrus cinguli; and surfaces of the frontal lobe and parietal lobe. Cerebrovascular System: Anatomy in purple, the middle cerebral artery Middle cerebral artery The largest of the cerebral arteries. It trifurcates into temporal, frontal, and parietal branches supplying blood to most of the parenchyma of these lobes in the cerebral cortex. These are the areas involved in motor, sensory, and speech activities. Cerebrovascular System: Anatomy (MCA) in red, and the posterior cerebral artery Posterior cerebral artery Artery formed by the bifurcation of the basilar artery. Branches of the posterior cerebral artery supply portions of the occipital lobe; parietal lobe; inferior temporal gyrus, brainstem, and choroid plexus. Cerebrovascular System: Anatomy (PCA) in pink.
Image by Lecturio.Blood supply to the brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification is derived from 2 sources: 1) the internal carotid arteries Carotid Arteries Either of the two principal arteries on both sides of the neck that supply blood to the head and neck; each divides into two branches, the internal carotid artery and the external carotid artery. Carotid Arterial System: Anatomy and 2) the vertebrobasilar system. These sources interconnect to form the circle of Willis Circle of Willis A polygonal anastomosis at the base of the brain formed by the internal carotid, proximal parts of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries, the anterior communicating artery and the posterior communicating arteries. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, which is depicted here. The circle of Willis Circle of Willis A polygonal anastomosis at the base of the brain formed by the internal carotid, proximal parts of the anterior, middle, and posterior cerebral arteries, the anterior communicating artery and the posterior communicating arteries. Subarachnoid Hemorrhage has 5 components, which include the anterior communicating artery, the anterior cerebral arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries: Histology, the internal carotid artery Internal carotid artery Branch of the common carotid artery which supplies the anterior part of the brain, the eye and its appendages, the forehead and nose. Carotid Arterial System: Anatomy, the posterior communicating artery, and the posterior cerebral arteries Arteries Arteries are tubular collections of cells that transport oxygenated blood and nutrients from the heart to the tissues of the body. The blood passes through the arteries in order of decreasing luminal diameter, starting in the largest artery (the aorta) and ending in the small arterioles. Arteries are classified into 3 types: large elastic arteries, medium muscular arteries, and small arteries and arterioles. Arteries: Histology (PCAs).
Image by Lecturio.The frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy lobe is the most anterior/superior aspect of the supratentorial brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification. It controls many of the higher-order functions of the brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification, including motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology function, executive thought, and speech.
Name | Location | Brodmann number |
Function |
---|---|---|---|
Primary motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology cortex | Precentral gyrus | 4 | Dictates contralateral motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology control |
Premotor cortex | Anterior to primary motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology cortex | 6 | Programming of motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology events; neurons Neurons The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system. Nervous System: Histology activate prior to primary motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology neurons Neurons The basic cellular units of nervous tissue. Each neuron consists of a body, an axon, and dendrites. Their purpose is to receive, conduct, and transmit impulses in the nervous system. Nervous System: Histology |
Supplementary motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology cortex | Midline surface of the hemisphere anterior to leg Leg The lower leg, or just “leg” in anatomical terms, is the part of the lower limb between the knee and the ankle joint. The bony structure is composed of the tibia and fibula bones, and the muscles of the leg are grouped into the anterior, lateral, and posterior compartments by extensions of fascia. Leg: Anatomy representation of primary motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology cortex | 6 | Planning of complex motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology movements |
Prefrontal cortex | Anterior portion of frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy lobe | 8–14, 24, 25, 32, 44–47 | Olfaction Olfaction The sense of smell, or olfaction, begins in a small area on the roof of the nasal cavity, which is covered in specialized mucosa. From there, the olfactory nerve transmits the sensory perception of smell via the olfactory pathway. This pathway is composed of the olfactory cells and bulb, the tractus and striae olfactoriae, and the primary olfactory cortex and amygdala. Olfaction: Anatomy and executive function (problem-solving, judgment Judgment The process of discovering or asserting an objective or intrinsic relation between two objects or concepts; a faculty or power that enables a person to make judgments; the process of bringing to light and asserting the implicit meaning of a concept; a critical evaluation of a person or situation. Psychiatric Assessment, planning, behavior, and emotions) |
Frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy eye field | Intersection of the middle frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy gyrus with precentral gyrus | 8 |
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Broca area | Inferior frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy gyrus of the dominant hemisphere | 44, 45 | Word production ( motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology speech) |
Note the primary motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology cortex (the most posterior structure of the frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy lobe) with the overlaid homunculus, detailing the proportions of the cortex dedicated to processing each specific motor Motor Neurons which send impulses peripherally to activate muscles or secretory cells. Nervous System: Histology function.
Image by Lecturio.The parietal Parietal One of a pair of irregularly shaped quadrilateral bones situated between the frontal bone and occipital bone, which together form the sides of the cranium. Skull: Anatomy lobe lies posterior to the frontal Frontal The bone that forms the frontal aspect of the skull. Its flat part forms the forehead, articulating inferiorly with the nasal bone and the cheek bone on each side of the face. Skull: Anatomy lobe and superior to the occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy lobe. It is associated with the processes of sensation and language comprehension.
Name | Location | Brodmann number |
Function |
---|---|---|---|
Primary somatosensory cortex | Postcentral gyrus | 3, 1, 2 | Receives contralateral somatosensory input from the ventral posteromedial nucleus Nucleus Within a eukaryotic cell, a membrane-limited body which contains chromosomes and one or more nucleoli (cell nucleolus). The nuclear membrane consists of a double unit-type membrane which is perforated by a number of pores; the outermost membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum. A cell may contain more than one nucleus. The Cell: Organelles and ventral posterolateral nucleus Nucleus Within a eukaryotic cell, a membrane-limited body which contains chromosomes and one or more nucleoli (cell nucleolus). The nuclear membrane consists of a double unit-type membrane which is perforated by a number of pores; the outermost membrane is continuous with the endoplasmic reticulum. A cell may contain more than one nucleus. The Cell: Organelles of the thalamus Thalamus The thalamus is a large, ovoid structure in the dorsal part of the diencephalon that is located between the cerebral cortex and midbrain. It consists of several interconnected nuclei of grey matter separated by the laminae of white matter. The thalamus is the main conductor of information that passes between the cerebral cortex and the periphery, spinal cord, or brain stem. Thalamus: Anatomy |
Parietal Parietal One of a pair of irregularly shaped quadrilateral bones situated between the frontal bone and occipital bone, which together form the sides of the cranium. Skull: Anatomy association areas | Posterior parietal Parietal One of a pair of irregularly shaped quadrilateral bones situated between the frontal bone and occipital bone, which together form the sides of the cranium. Skull: Anatomy | 5, 7 | Stereognosis Stereognosis Perception of shape and form of objects by touch, via tactile stimuli. Neurological Examination and awareness of contralateral self and surroundings |
Wernicke Area | Superior temporal gyrus of the dominant hemisphere | 22 | Comprehension of language |
The primary somatosensory cortex (labeled in dark blue) marks the anterior-most region of the parietal Parietal One of a pair of irregularly shaped quadrilateral bones situated between the frontal bone and occipital bone, which together form the sides of the cranium. Skull: Anatomy lobe.
Image by Lecturio.The occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy lobe is the most posterior lobe Posterior lobe Cerebellum: Anatomy of the supratentorial brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification. It is primarily involved with visual processing.
Name | Location | Brodmann number |
Function |
---|---|---|---|
Primary visual cortex Primary Visual Cortex The Visual Pathway and Related Disorders | Posterior occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy lobe | 17 | Vision Vision Ophthalmic Exam and acuity (input from lateral geniculate nucleus Lateral Geniculate Nucleus The Visual Pathway and Related Disorders via optic radiations) |
Visual association cortex | Extrastriate cortex | 18, 19 | Processes inputs related to form, color, motion, depth, and spatial relationships |
Note the location of the primary visual cortex Primary Visual Cortex The Visual Pathway and Related Disorders in the most posterior region of the brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification in the occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy lobe.
Image by Lecturio.The temporal lobe is the most anterior/inferior aspect of the supratentorial brain Brain The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem. Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification. It is involved with the processes of hearing, olfaction Olfaction The sense of smell, or olfaction, begins in a small area on the roof of the nasal cavity, which is covered in specialized mucosa. From there, the olfactory nerve transmits the sensory perception of smell via the olfactory pathway. This pathway is composed of the olfactory cells and bulb, the tractus and striae olfactoriae, and the primary olfactory cortex and amygdala. Olfaction: Anatomy, and memory Memory Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory. Psychiatric Assessment.
Name | Location | Brodmann number |
Function |
---|---|---|---|
Primary auditory cortex Auditory cortex The region of the cerebral cortex that receives the auditory radiation from the medial geniculate body. Auditory and Vestibular Pathways: Anatomy | Superior temporal plane of temporal lobes within lateral sulcus | 40, 41 | Hearing |
Middle and inferior temporal gyri | Middle and inferior temporal lobe | 20, 21 | Long-term memory Memory Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory. Psychiatric Assessment |
Parahippocampal gyrus | Medially located in the inferior temporo- occipital Occipital Part of the back and base of the cranium that encloses the foramen magnum. Skull: Anatomy cortex | 34 | Short-term memory Memory Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory. Psychiatric Assessment |
Uncus | Continuous with the hippocampal gyrus | 35 | Olfaction Olfaction The sense of smell, or olfaction, begins in a small area on the roof of the nasal cavity, which is covered in specialized mucosa. From there, the olfactory nerve transmits the sensory perception of smell via the olfactory pathway. This pathway is composed of the olfactory cells and bulb, the tractus and striae olfactoriae, and the primary olfactory cortex and amygdala. Olfaction: Anatomy |
Fusiform Gyrus | Occipitotemporal Medial Gyrus | 37 | Facial recognition |
Note the primary auditory cortex Auditory cortex The region of the cerebral cortex that receives the auditory radiation from the medial geniculate body. Auditory and Vestibular Pathways: Anatomy located in the temporal lobe
Image by Lecturio.The various gyri throughout the
brain
Brain
The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem.
Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification: Note the parahippocampal gyrus (shaded in green)
This structure is important for short-term
memory
Memory
Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory.
Psychiatric Assessment formation
The various gyri throughout the
brain
Brain
The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem.
Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification: Note the medial and inferior temporal gyri (both shaded in green).
These structures are important for long-term
memory
Memory
Complex mental function having four distinct phases: (1) memorizing or learning, (2) retention, (3) recall, and (4) recognition. Clinically, it is usually subdivided into immediate, recent, and remote memory.
Psychiatric Assessment
The various gyri throughout the
brain
Brain
The part of central nervous system that is contained within the skull (cranium). Arising from the neural tube, the embryonic brain is comprised of three major parts including prosencephalon (the forebrain); mesencephalon (the midbrain); and rhombencephalon (the hindbrain). The developed brain consists of cerebrum; cerebellum; and other structures in the brain stem.
Nervous System: Anatomy, Structure, and Classification: Note the uncus (shaded in green)
This is an important olfactory structure
The following structures are closely related to the cerebral cortex by location or function: