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The Brain's Clothing: Why is the Cerebral Cortex the Core of Thinking?
The cerebral cortex, as the outer layer of the brain, is undoubtedly the center of human intelligence. This layer of neural tissue not only stipulates the way we think, but also affects our various functions such as perception, memory, and consciousness. In recent years, research on the cerebral cortex has increased, revealing the important role of this structure in evolution and cognition. More than that, understanding the structure and function of the cerebral cortex can help understand the underlying causes of human behavior.
The cerebral cortex is the largest neural integration center in the central nervous system and is responsible for functions such as attention, perception, consciousness, thinking and language.
In the structure of the cerebral cortex, the most striking feature is its folded shape, which allows its surface area to accommodate more neurons in a limited brain cavity. The thickness of the human cerebral cortex is about 2 to 4 mm, of which the six layers of neocortex occupy about 90% of the area. Different layers are functionally specific, for example the motor cortex is primarily responsible for movement coordination, while the visual cortex processes visual information.
The six-layer structure of the cerebral cortex makes the connections between neurons closer and enhances their functional organization.
With a deeper understanding of the cerebral cortex, researchers have discovered that this structure is not only functionally important, but that its thickness and number of neurons are also related to intelligence levels. Some studies have shown that the organization and connection of neurons directly affects the brain's information processing capabilities.
The cortex of the brain is composed of four main lobes: frontal lobe, parietal lobe, temporal lobe and occipital lobe. The frontal lobe is responsible for planning and decision-making, the parietal lobe is involved in sensory processing, the temporal lobe governs hearing and memory, and the occipital lobe is focused on the interpretation of visual information. Each of these brain lobes has its own special function, but they are closely connected through complex neural connections to form a coordinated whole.
In all mammals, the folded structure of the cerebral cortex allows for more neurons and more complex functions.
Deeper structural analysis reveals that the cerebral cortex is not just a static structure. The dynamic connections and interactions of its internal neurons determine the activity of thinking. In fact, neurons interact in rich ways in the neocortex to exchange and process information. This process is the basis of thinking and learning.
Regarding the development of the cerebral cortex, the prenatal neurodevelopmental process is called corticogenesis. Various factors influence this process, including genetic and environmental interactions. Specifically, neurons in the cerebral cortex are generated in the ventricular zone within the neural tube, subsequently migrate and form the final multilayered structure.
The development of the cerebral cortex is a complex process involving hundreds of genes and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.
In summary, a deep understanding of the structure and function of the cerebral cortex is crucial to revealing the mechanism of human thinking. Facing future challenges, scientists are still exploring the mysteries of the brain, hoping to uncover the core mysteries of this nervous system. How does the operation of the cerebral cortex affect our cognition and behavior?
