The cerebral cortex covers the older brain and is where information is processed, thinks, and the body's control center. The cerebral cortex contains between 20 and 23 BILLION nerve cells and almost 9 times as many glial cells (de Courten-Myers, 2005). Glial cells provide nutrients, insulating myelin and guide the connections of the nerves. It is also possible that the glial cells have a role in learning and thinking.
The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes, which are based on the folds of the brain, each carrying out a specific function.
The cerebral cortex is divided into four lobes, which are based on the folds of the brain, each carrying out a specific function.
Frontal Lobe
Behind the forehead is the frontal lobe. This lobe controls creative thinking, problem solving, intellect, judgment, behavior, attention, physical reactions, muscle movement and personality. Here is where the motor cortex lies.
Parietal LobeThe parietal lobe is at the top of the head, behind the frontal lobe. Controlled here is vision, language, reading, and sensory understanding. The sensory cortex is in this lobe.
Temporal Lobe |
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The temporal lobe is on either side of the brain, just above the ears. This lobe helps with some speech, hearing, behavior and language. In this lobe is an area called Wernicke's Area. Not much is know about this area except that it help with understanding speech. This lobe also has the auditory cortex.
Occipital Lobe
This lobe is at the back of the brain, above the eyes. It helps control vision. The Broca's Area is here which assists with speech and language understanding. This lobe also has a visual cortex.