NEOCORTEX
Definition
The neocortex, also known as the isocortex, is the largest and most recently evolved part of the mammalian brain. It is a six-layered sheet of neurons that makes up the outermost part of the cerebral cortex and is responsible for higher-order functions such as conscious thought, decision making, and language.
History
The term neocortex was coined in 1915 by the German anatomist Korbinian Brodmann. He identified and distinguished 52 different areas of the cerebral cortex based on differences in the structure of the cell layers. Since then, research has revealed a great deal about the neocortex and its role in complex cognition.
Characteristics
The neocortex is composed of six layers of interconnected neurons. These neurons are organized into columns, which are further organized into maps or modules. Each map is specialized for a particular type of sensory input or motor output. For example, there are distinct maps for vision, auditory processing, and motor control.
The neocortex is also highly plastic, meaning that it is capable of reshaping itself in response to experience. This plasticity is what allows us to learn, remember, and adapt to our environment.
Conclusion
The neocortex is a vital part of the mammalian brain responsible for higher-order functions such as conscious thought, decision making, and language. Its six layers of interconnected neurons are organized into maps specialized for sensory input or motor output. Thanks to its high plasticity, the neocortex is capable of reshaping itself in response to experience.
References
Brodmann, K. (1909). Vergleichende Lokalisationslehre der Grosshirnrinde in ihren Prinzipien dargestellt auf Grund des Zellenbaues. Leipzig: Johann Ambrosius Barth.
DeFelipe, J., & Fariñas, I. (1992). The pyramidal neuron of the cerebral cortex: morphological and chemical characteristics of the synaptic inputs. Progress in Neurobiology, 39(2), 563–607. https://doi.org/10.1016/0301-0082(92)90024-E
Konen, C. S., & Kastner, S. (2008). Attentional coding of stimulus salience in human cortex. Neuron, 60(1), 203–212. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2008.08.017
Mountcastle, V. B. (1998). The columnar organization of the neocortex. Brain: A Journal of Neurology, 121(6), 701–722. https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/121.6.701
Rakic, P. (1988). Specification of cerebral cortical areas. Science, 241(4861), 170–176. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.3285026