Module 12 - The Cerebral Cortex

Question 1

Cerebral cortex

Answer 1

The intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells covering the cerebral hemispheres; the body’s ultimate control and information-processing center

Question 2

Frontal lobes

Answer 2

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying just behind the forehead; involved in speaking and muscle movements and in making plans and judgements

Question 3

Parietal lobes

Answer 3

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the top of the head and toward the rear; receives sensory input for touch and body position

Question 4

Occipital lobes

Answer 4

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying at the back of the head; includes areas that receive information from the visual fields

Question 5

Temporal lobes

Answer 5

The portion of the cerebral cortex lying roughly above the ears; includes the auditory areas, each receiving information primarily from the opposite ear. Helps store memories.

Question 6

Motor cortex

Answer 6

An area at the rear of the frontal lobes that controls voluntary movements

Question 7

Somatosensory cortex

Answer 7

An area at the front of the parietal lobes that registers and processes body touch and movement sensations

Question 8

Association areas

Answer 8

Areas of the cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions; rather, they are involved in higher mental functions such as learning, remembering, thinking, and speaking

Question 9

Plasticity

Answer 9

The brain’s ability to change, especially during childhood, by reorganizing after damage or by building new pathways based on experience

Question 10

Neurogenesis

Answer 10

The formation of new neurons