Cortical Centers: A Brief Overview
The cortical centers of the brain are the regions responsible for processing and interpreting sensory information, regulating motor function, and producing conscious thought. This article will provide a brief overview of the various cortical centers and their respective roles in human behavior.
The primary cortical center is the primary somatosensory cortex (SI), which is located in the parietal lobe. The SI is responsible for interpreting and processing tactile information from the body. It is also responsible for relaying this information to other areas of the brain, such as the motor cortex, which is responsible for controlling movement.
The primary motor cortex (MI) is also located in the parietal lobe and is responsible for controlling voluntary movement. It receives input from the SI and other cortical centers and uses this information to plan and execute movement.
The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is located at the front of the brain and is responsible for higher-order cognitive processes such as problem solving, decision making, and planning. It receives input from the SI, MI, and other cortical areas and is involved in the regulation of emotion, motivation, and attention.
The temporal lobe is located on the sides of the brain and is responsible for processing auditory and visual information. It is also involved in the formation of memories and the ability to recognize faces.
The occipital lobe is located at the back of the brain and is responsible for interpreting visual information. It is also involved in the control of eye movements and visual attention.
The hippocampus is located in the temporal lobe and is responsible for the formation and storage of memories. It receives input from the SI, MI, PFC, and other cortical areas and is involved in the formation of long-term memories.
The limbic system is located deep within the brain and is responsible for regulating emotions and motivation. It receives input from the SI, MI, PFC, temporal lobe, and other cortical areas and is involved in the regulation of emotional responses, including fear, pleasure, and aggression.
In summary, the cortical centers of the brain are responsible for interpreting and processing sensory information, controlling movement, and producing conscious thought. They receive input from the SI, MI, PFC, temporal lobe, occipital lobe, hippocampus, and limbic system and are involved in the regulation of emotion, motivation, and attention.
References
Kolb, B., & Wishaw, I. Q. (2009). Fundamentals of human neuropsychology (6th ed.). New York, NY: Worth Publishers.
LeDoux, J. (2003). The synaptic self: How our brains become who we are. New York, NY: Penguin Books.
Nolte, J. (2008). The human brain: An introduction to its functional anatomy (6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby.