BBB - The Cerebral Cortex Lesson

The Cerebral Cortex

The cerebral cortex is made up of densely packed neurons called "gray matter". These neurons work together to create neural networks. The cerebral cortex is characterized by grooves and bulges and is divided into two hemispheres connected by the corpus callosum (A thick bundle of axons that link the right and left hemispheres of the brain). The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that makes us humans responsible for thought, planning, perception, and consciousness.

Hemispheres

The cerebral cortex is divided into two hemispheres: the left and right. Both are similar in appearance (though not identical) and contain very subtle differences in size and pattern of folds and grooves. The functions for each are in similar places and the hemispheres exhibit what we call contralateral control: meaning the left hemisphere controls the right side of the body and the right hemisphere controls the left side. In general, those with a stronger right hemisphere are better at spatial and creative tasks and those with a stronger left hemisphere are better at logical and sequential tasks.

Watch the video below to learn about the hemispheres of the brain.

Complete the activity on the differences between the right and left sides of the brain below.

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