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CoursesPhysiologyNervous systemCerebral cortex and higher cognitive functionsFunctional anatomy of the cerebrum

CoursesPhysiologyNervous systemCerebral cortex and higher cognitive functionsFunctional anatomy of the cerebrum

Functional anatomy of the cerebrum

Learning objectives

After completing this study unit you will be able to:

Compare the functions of gray and white matter.
Describe the structure and function of the different layers of the cerebral cortex.
Distinguish between primary and association cortical areas
Localize different functions to specific areas of the brain.

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The cerebrum is the area of the central nervous system responsible for higher cognitive functions like thought, behaviour, memory and language.

Information processing and integration occur in the gray matter, which is composed of the cell bodies of billions of neurons and is located on the surface of the cerebrum and in deep nuclei. The white matter instead consists of the axons of these neurons and is responsible for connecting different areas of the central nervous system.

The neurons of the neocortex are arranged in six layers, each containing specific types of neuronal cells. Neurons in the three superficial layers mainly process information locally and transmit it to other cortical areas. Layer four receives sensory inputs, whereas neurons in the two deepest layers primarily project information to areas outside the cortex. The relative thickness of these cortical layers and the areas neurons communicate with help determine the specific function of a brain area.

Functionally, cortical regions can be classified into primary areas (motor or sensory), unimodal association areas and higher-order association areas. Primary and association cortices that contribute to similar tasks are often localized in one of the six lobes of the cerebrum (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital, insular and limbic lobes). Each lobe regulates different functions.

Find out how the structure of the cerebrum relates to its functions and about the layers of the cortex in the video below.

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Layers of the cortex

The cortex of the cerebrum is composed of multiple layers, each with different cells and functions. Examine the composition of the layers of the neocortex in the illustration below.

Functional areas of the cerebrum

Based on their function, cortical regions can be classified into primary, unimodal association and higher-order association areas. Discover where these functional areas are located across the cerebrum.

Lobes of the cerebrum

The cerebrum can be divided into six lobes, each with specific functions. Take a look at their location and main anatomical features.

White matter

White matter connects different areas within the central nervous system. The main types and functions of white matter fibers are illustrated below.

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Continue studying the functional anatomy of the cerebrum with the quiz below.

Summary

Key points about the functional anatomy of the cerebrum
Gray and white matter	Gray matter: cell bodies of neurons; process and integrate information. Located on the surface (cortex) and in deep nuclei (basal ganglia) of the cerebrum White matter: axons of neurons; transmit information between cortical areas within the same hemisphere (association fibers), across hemispheres (commissural fibers), or outside the cortex (projection fibers)
Layers of the neocortex	From superficial to deep: 1) Molecular layer: mostly axons and dendrites of neurons 2) External granular layer: mostly stellate cells and small pyramidal cells 3) External pyramidal layer: mostly pyramidal cells projecting to cortex 4) Internal granular layer: mostly stellate cells, receives sensory input 5) Internal pyramidal layer: mostly pyramidal cells projecting to brainstem and spinal cord 6) Multiform layer: many fusiform cells connecting with the thalamus
Functional classification	Primary motor area: transmits motor information Primary sensory areas: receive sensory information Unimodal association areas: process and integrate one type of information Higher-order association areas: combine information from different brain areas
Lobes of the cerebrum	Frontal lobe: behaviour, decision making and motor functions Parietal lobe: touch, proprioception, temperature, spatial awareness Temporal lobe: hearing, memory Occipital lobe: vision Insular lobe: sensations from the internal organs Limbic lobe: emotion, memory and behaviour

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