The cerebral cortex

• Cerebral cortex


  The outer layer of the cerebrum, which forms the largest and most complex part of the brain
• Cerebral cortex


  • It is the centre of conscious thought
  • It recalls memories and alters behaviour in the light of experience
• Localisation of brain functions

  In the cerebral cortex
• Parts of the cerebral cortex

  • Sensory areas
  • Motor areas
  • Association areas
• Association areas


  • Involved in language processing, personality, imagination and intelligence
• No part of the cerebral cortex works in isolation
• Many connections exist between neurons allowing for integrated responses
• Corpus callosum


  A bundle of nerve fibres that connects the two hemispheres of the cerebral cortex
• Visual information processing


  1. Colours are received by both eyes

  2. Left side processes information from the right visual field

  3. Right side processes information from the left visual field

  4. Information is shared across the optic chiasma

  5. Both visual areas of the cerebral cortex perceive all information
• Split-brain patient


  A person whose corpus callosum has been cut
• Visual information processing in split-brain patient

  1. Colours are received by both eyes

  2. Left side processes information from the right visual field

  3. Right side processes information from the left visual field

  4. Information is shared across the optic chiasma

  5. Information cannot be exchanged due to severed corpus callosum

  6. Both visual areas of the cerebral cortex do not perceive all information