Key Area 2
The cerebral cortex
In this section of KA2, we take a look at the structure and function of the cerebral cortex.
Something to Read...
Open the document below and read the mandatory course notes provided by SQA for this Key Area. You may wish to use your home learning time to copy these notes into a jotter or choose a digital presentation format that suits your learning style.
Something to look at...
The following images help to bring some life to the SQA course notes.
The cerebral cortex
The cerebral cortex is the centre of conscious thought. It also recalls memories and alters behaviour in the light of experience.
Our folded cortex
The owner of this brain was a resident of a North Texas State Hospital, a mental health facility. The patient had agyria - a lack of folds and ridges formed by the cerebral cortex. This condition, known as lissencephaly, often leads to death before 10 years of age. It can cause muscle spasms, seizures and vastly reduces the surface area of the brain.
Localisation of functions
There is localisation of brain functions in the cerebral cortex. It contains sensory areas, motor areas and association areas. There are association areas involved in language processing, personality, imagination and intelligence.
You are now ready for your in-class lesson on the cerebral cortex.
You are now ready to move onto KA2b on transfer of information between hemispheres.
