Unit 3: Neurobiology and Immunology: Chapter 18: Cerebral cortex

Question 1

Cerebrum

Answer 1

Largest & most complex part of the brain.

Question 2

Cerebral cortex

Answer 2

Outer layer of the cerebrum. Centre for conscious thought, retrieval of memories and alteration of behaviour in light of past experience.
3 areas -
Sensory - receives information.
Association - analyzes and interprets information.
Motor - response (usually voluntary & muscular).

Question 3

Hemisphere

Answer 3

Right and left sides of brain. Each side controls opposite side of body.

Question 4

Corpus callosum

Answer 4

Large bundle of nerve fibres connecting right & left hemispheres of brain. Allows information to be transferred from one side to the other, thus coordinating brain function & responses.

Question 5

Functional areas of cerebral cortex

Answer 5

Sensory - receive information from receptors in contact with body’s internal & external environment.

Association - analyse and interpret impulses to make sense of them & take decisions if necessary.

Motor - receives information from association areas & carries out orders by sending motor impulses to appropriate effectors.

Question 6

Interconnections

Answer 6

Tiny nerve fibres link 3 areas of cerebral cortex to pass messages between them, allowing for a co-ordinated and integrated response by the body.