Development of the cerebral cortex. Development of the cerebral cortex, intelligence

Shoshina Vera Nikolaevna

Therapist, education: Northern Medical University. Work experience 10 years.

Articles written

The brain of modern man and its complex structure is the greatest achievement of this species and its advantage, unlike other representatives of the living world.

The cerebral cortex is a very thin layer of gray matter that does not exceed 4.5 mm. It is located on the surface and sides of the cerebral hemispheres, covering them from above and along the periphery.

Anatomy of the cortex or cortex, complex. Each site performs its function and is of great importance in the implementation of nervous activity. This site can be considered the highest achievement of the physiological development of mankind.

Structure and blood supply

The cerebral cortex is a layer of gray matter cells that makes up approximately 44% of the total volume of the hemisphere. The area of ​​the cortex of an average person is about 2200 square centimeters. Structural features in the form of alternating furrows and convolutions are designed to maximize the size of the cortex and at the same time fit compactly within the cranium.

It is interesting that the pattern of convolutions and furrows is as individual as the prints of papillary lines on a person's fingers. Each individual is individual in pattern and.

The cortex of the hemispheres from the following surfaces:

  1. Upper lateral. It adjoins the inner side of the bones of the skull (vault).
  2. Lower. Its anterior and middle sections are located on the inner surface of the base of the skull, and the posterior ones rest on the cerebellum.
  3. medial. It is directed to the longitudinal fissure of the brain.

The most protruding places are called poles - frontal, occipital and temporal.

The cerebral cortex is symmetrically divided into lobes:

  • frontal;
  • temporal;
  • parietal;
  • occipital;
  • islet.

In the structure, the following layers of the human cerebral cortex are distinguished:

  • molecular;
  • external granular;
  • layer of pyramidal neurons;
  • internal granular;
  • ganglionic, internal pyramidal or Betz cell layer;
  • a layer of multiformate, polymorphic, or spindle-shaped cells.

Each layer is not a separate independent formation, but represents a single harmoniously functioning system.

Functional areas

Neurostimulation revealed that the cortex is divided into the following sections of the cerebral cortex:

  1. Sensory (sensitive, projection). They receive incoming signals from receptors located in various organs and tissues.
  2. Motor, outgoing signals sent to effectors.
  3. Associative, processing and storing information. They evaluate previously obtained data (experience) and issue an answer based on them.

The structural and functional organization of the cerebral cortex includes the following elements:

  • visual, located in the occipital lobe;
  • auditory, occupying the temporal lobe and part of the parietal;
  • vestibular is less studied and is still a problem for researchers;
  • olfactory is on the bottom;
  • taste is located in the temporal regions of the brain;
  • the somatosensory cortex appears in the form of two areas - I and II, located in the parietal lobe.

Such a complex structure of the cortex suggests that the slightest violation will lead to consequences that affect many functions of the body and cause pathologies of varying intensity, depending on the depth of the lesion and the location of the site.

How is the cortex connected to other parts of the brain?

All areas of the human cortex do not exist in isolation, they are interconnected and form inextricable bilateral chains with deeper brain structures.

The most important and significant is the connection between the cortex and the thalamus. When the skull is injured, the damage is much more significant if the thalamus is also injured along with the cortex. Injuries to the cortex alone are found to be much smaller and have less significant consequences for the body.

Almost all connections from different parts of the cortex pass through the thalamus, which gives reason to combine these parts of the brain into the thalamocortical system. Interruption of connections between the thalamus and the cortex leads to the loss of functions of the corresponding part of the cortex.

Pathways from sensory organs and receptors to the cortes also run through the thalamus, with the exception of some olfactory pathways.

Interesting facts about the cerebral cortex

The human brain is a unique creation of nature, which the owners themselves, that is, people, have not yet learned to fully understand. It is not entirely fair to compare it with a computer, because now even the most modern and powerful computers cannot cope with the volume of tasks performed by the brain within a second.

We are accustomed to not paying attention to the usual functions of the brain associated with the maintenance of our daily life, but even the smallest failure occurred in this process, we would immediately feel it "in our own skin".

“Little gray cells,” as the unforgettable Hercule Poirot said, or from the point of view of science, the cerebral cortex is an organ that still remains a mystery to scientists. We found out a lot, for example, we know that the size of the brain does not affect the level of intelligence in any way, because the recognized genius - Albert Einstein - had a brain that was below average, about 1230 grams. At the same time, there are creatures that have brains of a similar structure and even larger size, but have not yet reached the level of human development.

A striking example is the charismatic and intelligent dolphins. Some people believe that once in the deepest antiquity the tree of life split into two branches. Our ancestors went along one path, and dolphins along the other, that is, we may have had common ancestors with them.

A feature of the cerebral cortex is its indispensability. Although the brain is able to adapt to injury and even partially or completely restore its functionality, if part of the cortex is lost, the lost functions are not restored. Moreover, scientists were able to conclude that this part largely determines the personality of a person.

With an injury to the frontal lobe or the presence of a tumor here, after surgery and removal of the destroyed part of the cortex, the patient changes radically. That is, the changes concern not only his behavior, but also the personality as a whole. There have been cases when a good kind person turned into a real monster.

Based on this, some psychologists and criminologists have concluded that intrauterine damage to the cerebral cortex, especially its frontal lobe, leads to the birth of children with antisocial behavior, with sociopathic tendencies. These kids have a high chance of becoming a criminal and even a maniac.

CHM pathologies and their diagnostics

All violations of the structure and functioning of the brain and its cortex can be divided into congenital and acquired. Some of these lesions are incompatible with life, for example, anencephaly - the complete absence of the brain and acrania - the absence of cranial bones.

Other diseases leave a chance for survival, but are accompanied by mental disorders, such as encephalocele, in which part of the brain tissue and its membranes protrude outward through a hole in the skull. The same group also includes an underdeveloped small brain, accompanied by various forms of mental retardation (oligophrenia, idiocy) and physical development.

A rarer variant of the pathology is macrocephaly, that is, an increase in the brain. Pathology is manifested by mental retardation and convulsions. With it, the increase in the brain can be partial, that is, asymmetric hypertrophy.

Pathologies in which the cerebral cortex is affected are represented by the following diseases:

  1. Holoprosencephaly is a condition in which the hemispheres are not separated and there is no full division into lobes. Children with such a disease are born dead or die on the first day after birth.
  2. Agyria is the underdevelopment of the gyri, in which the functions of the cortex are impaired. Atrophy is accompanied by multiple disorders and leads to the death of the infant during the first 12 months of life.
  3. Pachygyria is a condition in which the primary gyri are enlarged to the detriment of the others. At the same time, the furrows are short and straightened, the structure of the cortex and subcortical structures is disturbed.
  4. Micropolygyria, in which the brain is covered with small convolutions, and the cortex does not have 6 normal layers, but only 4. The condition is diffuse and local. Immaturity leads to the development of plegia and muscle paresis, epilepsy, which develops in the first year, mental retardation.
  5. Focal cortical dysplasia is accompanied by the presence in the temporal and frontal lobes of pathological areas with huge neurons and abnormal ones. Incorrect cell structure leads to increased excitability and seizures, accompanied by specific movements.
  6. Heterotopia is an accumulation of nerve cells that, in the process of development, did not reach their place in the cortex. A solitary state may appear after the age of ten, large accumulations cause seizures such as epileptic seizures and mental retardation.

Acquired diseases are mainly the consequences of serious inflammations, injuries, and also appear after the development or removal of a tumor - benign or malignant. Under such conditions, as a rule, the impulse emanating from the cortex to the corresponding organs is interrupted.

The most dangerous is the so-called prefrontal syndrome. This area is actually a projection of all human organs, therefore, damage to the frontal lobe leads to memory, speech, movements, thinking, as well as partial or complete deformation and a change in the patient's personality.

A number of pathologies accompanied by external changes or deviations in behavior are easy to diagnose, others require more careful study, and removed tumors are subjected to histological examination to rule out a malignant nature.

Alarming indications for the procedure are the presence of congenital pathologies or diseases in the family, fetal hypoxia during pregnancy, asphyxia during childbirth, and birth trauma.

Methods for diagnosing congenital abnormalities

Modern medicine helps prevent the birth of children with severe malformations of the cerebral cortex. For this, screening is performed in the first trimester of pregnancy, which allows you to identify pathologies in the structure and development of the brain at the earliest stages.

In a baby born with suspected pathology, neurosonography is performed through the "fontanelle", and older children and adults are examined by conducting. This method allows not only to detect a defect, but also to visualize its size, shape and location.

If there were hereditary problems in the family related to the structure and functioning of the cortex and the entire brain, a genetic consultation and specific examinations and analyzes are required.

The famous "gray cells" are the greatest achievement of evolution and the highest good for man. Damage can be caused not only by hereditary diseases and injuries, but also by acquired pathologies provoked by the person himself. Doctors urge you to take care of your health, give up bad habits, allow your body and brain to rest and not let your mind be lazy. Loads are useful not only for muscles and joints - they do not allow nerve cells to grow old and fail. The one who studies, works and loads his brain, suffers less from wear and tear and later comes to the loss of mental abilities.

In the development of the central nervous system, 3 processes are of great importance:

1. proliferation

2. migration

3. differentiation

Proliferation begins on the 18th day of embryogenesis, while one layer is isolated in the coiled neural tube, containing two types of stem cells for the formation of two main differons of the nervous tissue (the first for the development of neurons, the second for the development of macrogliocytes). Stem cells share special cells - embryonic radial ependymocytes or tanycytes. Tanycytes create internal and external delimiting membranes. Proliferation (reproduction of nerve cells) is completed in the second half of pregnancy, but by the 21st day, 3 layers of cells are isolated in the neural tube:

1. Ventricular (internal)

2. Subventricular

3. Marginal

The first and second layers contain stem and semi-stem cells of both differons, which multiply mitotically at the same rate (20 thousand cells per minute), which leads to the formation of 150 billion neurons only for the future cerebral cortex and the same number of glial cells. The number of divisions in proliferating cells is programmed and then they begin to actively migrate to form a marginal layer.

Migration occurs under the regulation of tanycytes and only on their surface due to the release of migration factors and glyconectin by them. Neurons begin to crawl up the process of tanycyte into the marginal layer and remain there, in a certain place, which also regulates tanycyte, while, as the cells move, there may be a stop and grouping of neurons with the formation of brain nuclei. The second type of migration in the telencephalon creates an accumulation of neurons under the outer glial membrane in the form of a cortical plate. During the formation of the cortical plate, all neurons that have arrived in its composition begin to differentiate, that is, they complicate the structure of the body of the neuron and its processes. The axon growth rate is very high and reaches 1-2 mm per hour. Neurons that have arrived in the cortical layer are arranged in a strictly ordered manner between two processes of neighboring tanycytes in the form of chains or columns. Such created chains of neurons were given the name ontogenetic histological column. Neurons of the same type after differentiation in columns as a result of migration stop at the same level, creating the effect of a layered arrangement of neurons in the cerebral cortex. All neurons necessarily enter into interconnection with each other, those neurons that have not formed synapses, and this is 87-90% of cells, are immediately destroyed by a special male factor produced by tanycytes. The number of neurons that form the cortex is ultimately 15-10 billion. Embryonic tanycytes, after performing their function, are also destroyed.



Cytoarchitectonics, myeloarchitectonics and the modular principle of the organization of the cerebral cortex

In the brain, gray and white matter are distinguished, but their distribution here is much more complicated than in the spinal cord. Most of the gray matter of the brain is located on the surface of the cerebrum and cerebellum, forming them bark 3-5 mm thick. A smaller part forms numerous subcortical nuclei surrounded by white matter. All gray matter consists of multipolar neurons.

Cytoarchitectonics

The neurons of the cortex are located in unsharply demarcated layers, which are designated by Roman numerals and numbered from outside to inside. Each layer is characterized by the predominance of any one type of cell. There are six main layers in the cerebral cortex:

I - molecular;

II - external granular;

III - pyramidal;

IV - internal granular;

V - ganglionic;

VI - layer of polymorphic cells.

I- Molecular the layer of the cortex contains many processes and a small number of small associative horizontal Cajal cells, neurons with an axonal tassel (inhibitory in function). Their axons run parallel to the surface of the brain as part of the tangential plexus of nerve fibers of the molecular layer. However, the bulk of the fibers of this plexus is represented by branching of the dendrites of the underlying layers.

II - outer granular the layer is formed by numerous small pyramidal and stellate spiny neurons (excitatory in function), as well as inhibitory neurons, which include small and large basket cells, neurons with axoaxonal synapses. The dendrites of these cells rise into the molecular layer, and the axons either go into the white matter, or, forming arcs, also enter the tangential plexus of fibers of the molecular layer.

III - The widest layer of the cerebral cortex - pyramidal. It contains pyramidal neurons, Martinotti cells and cells with a double bouquet of dendrites (they are inhibitory for inhibitory neurons). The apical dendrites of the pyramids go into the molecular layer, the lateral dendrites form synapses with adjacent cells of this layer. The axon of the pyramidal cell always departs from its base. In small cells, the axon remains within the cortex; in large cells, it forms a myelin fiber that goes to the white matter of the brain. The pyramidal layer performs mainly associative functions. The axons of the pyramidal neurons of this layer form cortico-cortical pathways.

IV- Internal grainy the layer in some fields of the cortex is very strongly developed (for example, in the visual and auditory cortex), while in others it may be almost absent (for example, in the precentral gyrus). This layer is formed by small stellate spiny neurons of two types: focal and diffuse. It consists of a large number of horizontal fibers.

V- Ganglionic layer of the cortex is formed by large pyramids, and the region of the motor cortex (precentral gyrus) contains giant pyramids, which were first described by the Kyiv anatomist V. Betz. The apical dendrites of the pyramids reach the 1st layer. The axons of the pyramids are projected to the motor nuclei of the brain and spinal cord. The longest axons of Betz cells in the pyramidal pathways reach the caudal segments of the spinal cord. In addition to pyramidal neurons in the ganglionic layer of the cortex, there are vertical spindle cells, as well as small and large basket cells.

VI - Layer polymorphic cells formed by neurons of various shapes (fusiform, stellate, Martinotti cells). The axons of these cells go into the white matter as part of the efferent pathways, and the dendrites reach the molecular layer.

Myeloarchitectonics

Among the nerve fibers of the cerebral cortex, one can distinguish associative fibers that connect individual parts of the cortex of one hemisphere, commissural connecting the cortex of different hemispheres, and projection fibers, both afferent and efferent, that connect the cortex with the nuclei of the lower parts of the central nervous system.

In the cortex of the hemispheres, the projection fibers form radial rays ending in the III - pyramidal layer. In addition to the already described tangential plexus of the I - molecular layer, at the level of IV - the inner granular and V - ganglionic layers there are two tangential layers of myelinated nerve fibers - respectively, the outer strip of Bayarger and the inner strip of Bayarger.


Functional blocks of the brain

Differentiation of the systems of the cerebral cortex occurs gradually, and this leads to uneven maturation of individual brain structures that are part of the three functional blocks of the brain. At birth, the child's subcortical formations are almost completely formed and the maturation of the projection areas of the brain is close to completion, in which nerve fibers terminate, coming from receptors belonging to different sense organs (analyzer systems), and motor pathways originate. These areas are the material substrate of all three blocks of the brain. But among them, the structures of the first block of the brain (the block of regulation of brain activity) reach the highest level of maturity. In the second (block of receiving, processing and storing information) and the third (block of programming, regulation and control of activity) blocks, the most mature are only those fragments of the cortex that belong to the primary zeros that receive incoming information (2nd block) and act as output gates of motor impulses (3rd block).

Other areas of the cortex, which provide complex processing of information both within the same analyzer and coming from different analyzers, have not yet reached a sufficient level of maturity by this time. This is manifested in the small size of their cells, insufficient development of the width of their upper layers (performing an associative function), in the relatively small size of the area they occupy, and insufficient myelination of their elements.

Then, in the period from 2 to 5 years, there is an active maturation of the secondary, associative fields of the brain, some of which (secondary gnostic zones of the analyzer systems) are located in the second block, as well as in the third block (premotor area). These structures provide processes of perception within individual modalities and the execution of a sequence of actions. The tertiary, associative fields of the brain mature next: first, the posterior associative (parietal-temporal-occipital region, TPO) and then, lastly, the anterior associative (prefrontal region) field. Tertiary fields occupy the highest position in the hierarchy of interaction between different brain areas, and here the most complex forms of information processing are carried out. The posterior associative area provides the synthesis of all incoming multi-modal information into a supra-modal holistic reflection of the reality surrounding the subject in the entirety of its connections and relationships. The anterior associative area is responsible for the voluntary regulation of complex forms of mental activity, including the selection of the information necessary for this activity, the formation of activity programs on its basis, and control over their correct course.

Thus, each of the three functional blocks of the brain reaches full maturity at different times, and maturation proceeds in sequence from the first to the third block. This is the way from the bottom up - from the underlying formations to the overlying ones, from the subcortical structures to the primary fields, from the primary fields to the associative ones. Damage during the formation of any of these levels can lead to deviations in the maturation of the next one due to the lack of stimulating effects from the underlying damaged level.

emotional development

Emotions are a mental state that reflects a person's attitude to what is happening around him and to himself personally. Emotions are often referred to as those that regulate human behavior. For example, anxiety and fear protect us from danger, boredom and disappointment allow us to give up unnecessary and useless activities, thus saving energy, and something interesting contributes to a surge of strength, pushes away fatigue, and causes pleasure. But this is only one side of the coin. Another is that our emotions also affect the people around us positively, negatively or neutrally.

The emotions that a child experiences from the first minutes of birth, and his development are very closely interconnected. On the basis of positive emotions, movements, speech, memory develop. And the first emotional manifestations of the baby, such as a cry or a smile, are his means of communication with an adult. Moreover, we can safely say that positive emotions are a necessary condition for the normal development of the child.

In order for children to develop in a timely manner, it is necessary not only to feed them on time, dress them according to the weather, provide good hygiene care, but also properly organize the time when they are awake. When a child does not sleep, it is very important to keep him in a joyful and cheerful mood, often communicate with the baby, create conditions for play: toys should be age-appropriate, games should be developmental, and the area for movement should be sufficient.

It is clear that in the process of child development, changes occur not only in the mental or intellectual sphere, but also in the emotional one. Literally with every passing day, the child's ability not only to recognize, but also to control his emotions increases, his views on relations with others and on the world as a whole change.

It must be remembered that the qualitative development of the emotional sphere of children does not occur by itself. Recently, instead of communicating with peers and adults, children spend a lot of time near the TV or computer. It's just that many adults, due to their employment or some other circumstances, do not even think about the fact that it is communication that greatly enriches the emotional sphere and how it affects the life and development of the baby. Perhaps because of this, our children have become less responsive to the feelings of others. Work aimed at the emotional development of children, regardless of whether it is carried out by a parent or a teacher, at home or in a children's institution, is very important and relevant.



(English) development of cerebral cortex) how a phylogenetically new formation occurs over a long period ontogeny. In different areas and fields of the cortex, changes in its width, sizes, and levels of differentiation of neurons of all types occur at different times (heterochronously) and with different intensities. Associative regions reach full differentiation the latest. At the same time, despite the heterochrony of morphogenesis, in certain age periods of R. to. g. m., the differentiation of nerve elements in various areas occurs synchronously (see Fig. Cortex,Brain,Nervous system,prenatal development).

By the time a child is born, the cortex has the same multi-layered structure as in adults. However, the width of the cortical layers and sublayers increases significantly with age. The cyto- and fibroarchitectonics of the cortex undergoes the most significant changes. During the period newborns neurons are distinguished by their small size, weak development of dendrites and axons. The modular organization of neurons is represented by vertical columns. During the first years of life, intensive differentiation of cellular elements occurs, neurons are typified, their sizes increase, dendritic and axon branches develop, and the system of vertical connections in neuron ensembles expands. By 5-6 years. the system of dendritic connections along the horizontal becomes more complicated, the polymorphism of neurons increases, reflecting their specialization. By 9-10 years. pyramidal neurons reach the largest sizes, the width of cell groups increases. By 12-14 years. all types of interneurons reach a high level of differentiation, intra- and inter-ensemble horizontal connections become more complicated. In the phylogenetically newest areas of the cortex (frontal), the complication of the ensemble organization of the neural apparatus and interensemble connections can be traced up to 18-20 years of age. The development of the neural apparatus, its ensemble organization and inter-ensemble connections ensures the formation of a systemic organization of higher nervous functions, the psyche and behavioral reactions with age. (N. V. Dubrovinskaya, D. A. Farber.)


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"DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN CORTEX" in books

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Brain Development Replaces the Teacher For a long time, slower brain maturation in humans compared to other primates has been classified as a disadvantage. Only recently has it become clear that brain maturation is ultimately

LESIONS OF THE OCCIPPITAL CORTEX

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10. Typical symptoms of damage to certain areas of the cerebral cortex

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Forebrain (cerebral cortex, frontal cortex)

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The brain is a mysterious organ that is constantly being studied by scientists and remains not fully explored. The structural system is not simple and is a combination of neuronal cells that are grouped into separate sections. The cerebral cortex is present in most animals and mammals, but it is in the human body that it has received greater development. This was facilitated by labor activity.

Why is the brain called gray matter or gray matter? It is grayish, but it has white, red and black colors. The gray substance represents different types of cells, and the white substance represents nervous matter. Red is blood vessels, and black is melanin pigment, which is responsible for the color of hair and skin.

The structure of the brain

The main body is divided into five main parts. The first part is oblong. It is an extension of the spinal cord, which controls communication with the activities of the body and is composed of a gray and white substance. The second, middle, includes four hillocks, of which two are responsible for auditory, and two for visual function. The third, posterior, includes the bridge and the cerebellum or cerebellum. Fourth, buffer hypothalamus and thalamus. Fifth, final, which forms two hemispheres.

The surface consists of grooves and brains covered with a shell. This department makes up 80% of the total weight of a person. Also, the brain can be divided into three parts cerebellum, stem and hemispheres. It is covered with three layers that protect and nourish the main organ. This is an arachnoid layer in which the cerebral fluid circulates, soft contains blood vessels, hard close to the brain and protects it from damage.

Brain Functions


Brain activity includes the basic functions of gray matter. These are sensory, visual, auditory, olfactory, tactile reactions and motor functions. However, all the main control centers are located in the oblong part, where the activities of the cardiovascular system, protective reactions and muscle activity are coordinated.

The motor pathways of the oblong organ create a crossing with a transition to the opposite side. This leads to the fact that receptors are first formed in the right region, after which impulses arrive in the left region. Speech is performed in the cerebral hemispheres. The posterior section is responsible for the vestibular apparatus.

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Ideator or associative areas are responsible for the connection of incoming information and comparison with what was available. The response to irritation is created in the ideational zone and transmitted to motor activity. Each association area is responsible for memory, learning and thinking.

The hypothalamus is the main base of the endocrine system. It coordinates nerve impulses and translates them into endocrine ones, and is also responsible for the visceral nervous system. The main part of the functions is performed by the cerebral cortex. This important organ is sometimes compared to a computer.

Features of the structure of the cerebral cortex


The cerebral cortex begins to develop in the prenatal state, first the lower layers appear, by 6 months all fields are formed. By the age of seven, the systematization of neurons is completed, and their bodies increase until the age of eighteen. The bark is divided into 11 regions, 53 fields are included, which are assigned an ordinal number.

The cerebral cortex is 3-4 ml thick. It is responsible for connecting a person with the environment through reactions, thinking and awareness, regulating processes and determining behavioral activities. The main exclusivity of the cortex is electrical activity, which has vibrations and frequency.

The cerebral cortex is divided into four types: archaic - 0.5% of the volume of the entire hemisphere, non-new - 2.2%, new - 95%, average - 1.5%. The archaic cortex is represented by large neurons. The old one consists of 3 layers of neurocytes and the main zone of the hippocampus. The intermediate or middle one represents the methodical transformation of old neurons into new ones.

The cerebral cortex and its functions determine consciousness, control mental activity, provide interaction between people and the environment based on reactions. Each department is responsible for a specific task. The most ancient limbic system regulates behavior, forms feelings, memory and control.

Structure

The structure of the cerebral cortex is divided into several parts.

Frontal. Motor and mental activity, an analytical area that is responsible for speech motor skills.

Temporal or temporal. This is the understanding of speech and emotional centers that form feelings of fear, joy, pleasure, anger, irritation.

Occipital. It is the processing of visual information.

Parietal. It is the center of active sensitivity and musical perception.

The cerebral cortex has six layers, which determine not only the special location of the zones, but also coordinate the processes. Each zone has specific neurons and orientation.

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Layers represent the layered classification of the cerebral cortex. The molecular or molal zone is made up of fibers, the hallmark of which is a low degree of cells. The granular layer includes stellate cells, pyramidal cone-shaped and stellate neurons, internal granular stellate cells. The inner pyramidal contains cone-shaped cells that are carried into the molar zone. The multimorphic zone is a multiform cells that turn into a white substance. Thus, the bark has a six-layer structure.

The following systematization divides the sites by function and organization into areas. The primary region consists of highly differentiated neurocytes. She receives data from stimuli. The primary region contains neurons that respond to auditory and visual stimuli. The secondary part is responsible for processing information and serves as the analytical department, processes the data and sends it to the third department, which is responsible for the reactions. The association area, the third division, produces reactions and helps to be aware of the environment.

In addition, zones are distinguished: sensitive, motor and associative. Sensitive areas include visual, auditory, gustatory and charming functions. Motor zones lead to motor activity. Ideatory - excites associative activity.

Functions of the cerebral cortex


The cerebral cortex contains important sections. The first, speech department is located in the lower region of the forehead. Violation of this center may be the cause of the lack of speech motility. A person can understand, but cannot respond. The second, auditory center is located in the left temporal part. Damage to this area may cause misunderstanding of what is being said, but the ability to interpret thoughts will remain.

The functions of speech motor skills are performed by visual and motor functions. Damage to this part can cause loss of vision. In the temporal region there is a department that is responsible for memory.

Diseases


The cerebral cortex plays an important role in human life. Its defects can cause a violation of the main processes, a decrease in working capacity and illness. Serious and common diseases include: peak disease, meningitis, hypertension, oxygen deprivation or hypoxia.

Peak disease develops in older people. It is characterized by the death of nerve cells. The signs of the disease are similar to Alzheimer's disease, which sometimes makes it difficult to recognize. Such a disease is not curable and the brain resembles a dried walnut.

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Meningitis refers to an infectious disease consisting of an affected part of the cerebral cortex by a pneumococcal infection. Characteristic signs: headache and high fever, drowsiness and nausea, watery eyes.

Hypertension leads to the creation of foci that constrict blood vessels and lead to unstable pressure.

Hypoxia generally begins to develop in childhood. It occurs due to oxygen starvation or a violation of the blood supply to the brain. May end in death.

Most deviations cannot be established by external signs, therefore, various methods are used to diagnose diseases.

Diagnostic methods


For examination, there are the following methods: magnetic resonance and computer diagnostics, encephalogram, positron emission tomography, radiography and ultrasound examination.

Cerebral circulation is examined by ultrasonic dopplerography, rheoencephalography, X-ray antiography.


It is no coincidence that the brain is called the human computer. After a study using a supercomputer, it was found that it can only simulate one second of human brain activity. Therefore, the human brain is superior to computer technology. The amount of memory includes 1000 terabytes. Forgetfulness is a natural process that allows the body to be flexible. When a person wakes up, the cerebral cortex has an electric field of 25 W, which is enough for an ordinary light bulb. The mass of the human brain is 2% of the weight of the whole body, and the consumption of bioenergy is 16% and ozone is 17%. The main organ is 80% fluid and 60% fat. To maintain active activity, he needs high-quality nutrition and daily fluid intake in an amount of at least 2.5 liters.