The Cerebral Cortex

Abstract

The cerebral (neocortext) and the limbic system generate all sensory and cognitive perception, as well as voluntary motot activity; the limbic system generates most of our basic emotional and autonomic regulations to the neocortex. We have discovered most of the subcortical areas, their connections to the cerebral cortex, and their role in the development; anatomically and functionally. The neocortex and the limbic system cannot develop or function properly without the input of intact subcortical connections. We need to understand more fully the evolution and development of the cerebral cortex before we can completely understand its function and dysfunction. There are also important cerebral interconnectivities between different areas of the cortex that determine normal function as well. We cannot completely understand the function of the cortex or limbic system and their subcortical connections without exploring the concepts of cerebral lateralization and specialization of function. As we will see this is probably the single most important aspect of the human cerebral cortex; without proper interaction of the different functional areas of the cortex and specialized areas of function we cannot understand or even begin to consider treatment interventions.