The cerebral cortex is divided into four primary lobes: the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe, and occipital lobe.

Lobes in the Cerebral Cortex

Most recently evolved part of the mammalian brain. It is responsible for problem-solving, self-control, self-awareness, conscious thought, and language. Robin Dunbar found a strong correlation between a species group size and the size of their neocortex.

Neocortex

Cingulate Cortex

The lateral sulcus is a prominent sulcus that separates the frontal and parietal lobe from the temporal lobe. 

The lateral sulcus ( lateral fissure or Sylvian fissure) 

Sulci (singular: sulcus) are the distinctive grooves or depressions found on the uneven exterior surface of the cerebral cortex, situated between the raised folds or bumps.

Sulci

An architect is designing a new building. This complex task requires them to visualize the structure in three dimensions, solve spatial problems, formulate a creative vision, and communicate their ideas through language and drawings. Which part of the brain, known as the center for higher-level cognitive processes, is most predominantly engaged during these activities?

Gyri (singular: gyrus) are the distinctive folds, bumps, or ridges that characterize the highly uneven surface of the cerebral cortex.

Gyri

The cerebral cortex is the uneven outer surface of the brain, characterized by a distinctive pattern of raised bumps or folds (gyri) and depressions or grooves (sulci). It is associated with higher-level cognitive processes, including consciousness, thought, emotion, reasoning, language, and memory.

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Columbia University

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

New Mexico Highlands University

University of Georgia

Refers to the largest part of the brain. It contains:

- Cerebral cortex
- Subcortical structures including: 
     - Thalamus
     - Hypothalamus
     - Pituitary gland
     - Limbic system

Forebrain

The brain is composed of two distinct halves, known as the left and right hemispheres. Each hemisphere is responsible for controlling the opposite side of the body.

Brain Hemispheres

Goldstein, E. B. (2014). Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience. Nelson Education.


Cognitive psychology: Connecting mind, research and everyday experience

Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020, April 22). Psychology (2nd ed.). OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/1-introduction

OpenStax Psychology (2nd ed.) Textbook

Cerebral Cortex

Subcortical structures in the forebrain include;

- Thalamus
- Hypothalamus
- Pituitary gland
- Limbic system

Subcortical Structures in the Forebrain

Refers to the specialization of function in each of the brain's hemispheres. A primary example is the contralateral control of the body, where the left hemisphere governs the right side and the right hemisphere governs the left. This specialization is particularly evident in language functions.

Lateralization

Refers to the thick band of neural fibers that connects the brain hemispheres to allow them to communicate with each other. 

Corpus Callosum

A fundamental principle of brain organization is that each cerebral hemisphere is primarily responsible for controlling the motor functions of the opposite, or contralateral, side of the body. For example, the right hemisphere directs movement on the left side of the body, while the left hemisphere directs movement on the right.

Contralateral Motor Control

Analyze the following clinical scenario and determine the likely location of the brain injury.

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