Cerebral cortex

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum, composed mainly of gray matter. Its interconnected circuits support perception, voluntary movement, language, memory, and thought.

Neocortex: The six-layered cortical tissue that makes up most of the mammalian cerebral cortex. It forms most of the human cortex and supports many higher cognitive functions.
Action potential: A rapid electrical signal that travels along a neuron’s membrane. Cortical neurons use action potentials to transmit signals between distant cells.
Primary visual cortex: The cortical region at the back of the brain that receives the first stage of visual cortical processing. It illustrates how a cortical area specializes in processing one sensory modality.
Cerebellum: A hindbrain structure involved in coordinating movement, balance, and aspects of learning. It contributes to movement and cognition through circuits distinct from cortical ones.
Cortical column: A vertically organized group of cortical neurons whose connections span several layers. Columns offer one model for how local cortical circuits process related inputs.
Synapse: A junction where one neuron communicates with another cell through chemical or electrical signals. Synapses connect cortical neurons into circuits that transform incoming information.
Primary motor cortex: A frontal cortical region that contributes to the execution of voluntary movements. Its body map links cortical activity to specific voluntary actions.
Basal ganglia: A group of deep brain nuclei involved in movement, action selection, and learning. These nuclei influence cortical activity without being part of the cortical sheet.
Cerebral lobe: A major anatomical division of a cerebral hemisphere, named for its position or function. Lobes provide a broad map of cortical regions and their specialized roles.
Corticocortical connection: A neural pathway linking cortical regions within or between cerebral hemispheres. These pathways let specialized cortical areas exchange information.

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