Cerebral Cortex Intricate fabric of interconnected neural cells that covers the cerebral hemispheres. It is the body’s ultimate control and information processing center. Known as the brain’s “outer bark”

Glial Cells Cells that support neurons by feeding them nutrients and protecting them from damage. They are the “neural nannies” Analysis of Albert Einstein’s brain did not show larger than average sized brain or neurons, but did show a much higher than average glia production. His neurons were well taken care of!

The Lobes Frontal Lobe: just behind forehead; involved in speaking, movement, making plans, critical thinking, judgments, and personality. Parietal Lobe: top of the head and toward the rear of head; sensory information from touch and body positioning. Occipital Lobe: back of the head; includes visual areas which receive visual information from opposite visual field. Temporal Lobe: behind ears; auditory cortex (left side); auditory areas

Motor Cortex Area in rear of frontal lobes that controls voluntary movement. Each lobe of the motor cortex (right or left) controls movement of the opposite side of the body. (much like the senses)

Sensory Cortex Area in the front of parietal lobe (just behind motor cortex) the registers and processes body touch and movement sensations. Receives sensory information in the sensory cortex hemisphere from the opposites side of the body.

Association Areas All parts of cerebral cortex that are not involved in primary motor or sensory functions Involved in higher mental functions such as learning, memory, thought, and speaking.

Association Areas and Language Broca’s Area: Named after Paul Broca; in frontal lobe (usually in left hemisphere); involved in muscle movement in speech. The act of speaking. Wernicke’s Area: Named after Carl Wernicke; usually in left temporal lobe; controls language reception, comprehension, and expression.

Plasticity The brain’s ability to adjust or reorganize after trauma or damage. This occurs mostly in the senses.