Functions
of The Cerebral Cortex
The cerebral cortex is the wrinkling part of our brain that shows up when you see pictures of the brain. The outside world and
making sense of it. The brain is
actually a series of interconnected ‘superhighways’ or pathways that move
‘data’ from one part of the body to another.
Tallal says another way to think about the brain is by lower and upper
areas. The spinal cord moves information up to the brain stem, then up into the
cerebral cortex which controls thoughts and memories. Interestingly, the brain
really does work like a powerful computer in determining not only movements but
registering memories that can be quickly recalled.
According to Dr Robert Melillo, a neurologist and the founder of the
Brain Balance Centers (www.brainbalancecenters.com), the brain actually
predetermines actions and calculates the results about a half-second before
performing them (or even faster in
some cases). This means that when you
reach out to open a door, your brain has already predetermined how to move your
elbow and clasp your hand around the door handle – maybe even simulated this
movement more than once, before you even actually perform the action.
Another interesting aspect to the brain is that there are some voluntary
movements and some involuntary. Some sections of the brain might control a
voluntary movement – such as patting your knee to a beat. Another section
controls involuntary movements, such as the gait of your walk – which is passed
down from your parents. Reflexes, long-term memories, the pain reflex – these
are all aspects that are controlled by sections in the brain.
Frontal lobe
Primarily controls senses such
as taste, hearing, and smell.
Association areas might help us
determine language and the tone of someone’s voice.
Prefrontal cortex
Executive functions such as complex planning, memorising, social and
verbal skills, and anything that requires advanced thinking and interactions.
In adults, helps us determine whether an action
makes sense or is dangerous.
Parietal lobe
Where the brain senses touch and anything that interacts with the surface
of the skin, makes us aware of the feelings of
our body and where we are in space.
Temporal lobe
What distinguishes the human brain – the ability to process and interpret
what other parts of the brain are hearing, sensing, or tasting and determine a response.
