Cerebral Cortex

Paper Summary:

This paper explores the role of the cerebral cortex in the human brain. The physiology of this part of the brain is presented in detail. Additionally, the function of the cerebral cortex is discussed, especially in light of new scientific research. The paper also examines the evolution of this part of the brain. The author also considers the relationship between the cerebral cortex and intelligence. The author concludes that cognitive psychologists strived hard to learn more about the structure and functions of cerebral cortex. The neurons of the cerebral cortex exert the highest level of regulation in the status of the nervous system.

Outline:
Introduction
Cerebral Cortex-Physiological Structure
Cerebral Cortex and intelligence
Cerebral Cortex-Properties
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"The cerebral cortex refers to a structure of brain among the vertebrates that takes into account humans as well. As the outermost layers of the cerebrum are normally of grey color, it is commonly called as grey matter. The grey matter is constituted by neurons and their unmyelinated fibers and the white matter the layer below the grey matter is constituted primarily by myelinated axons. This links the various regions of the central nervous system. The thickness of human cerebral cortex measures up to 2 to 4 mm which is 0.08 to 0.16 inches and normally is folded. The outermost layer of the cerebral cortex in respect of higher animals, particularly among the higher mammals, appears to be folded. As a result of this many grooves on the outermost layer of the brain known as sulci are formed. There also exist some ridges on the outermost layer of the brain known as gyri. Such folding of the cortex enhanced the cortical surface area. (Cerebral cortex: Wikipedia)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Calvin, William. H. (1996a) "How Brains Think: Evolving Intelligence Then and Now" MIT Press. Retrieved from http://williamcalvin.com/bk8/ Accessed 27 March, 2006
• Calvin, William. H. (1996b) "The Cerebral Code" MIT Press. Retrieved from http://williamcalvin.com/bk9/index.htm Accessed 27 March, 2006
• "Cerebral cortex" Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebral_cortex Accessed 27 March, 2006
• Corsini, Raymond J. (1999) "The Dictionary of Psychology" Psychology Press (UK).
• Alters, Sandra. (2000) "Biology: Understanding Life" Jones and Bartlett Publishers.

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