HUMAN BRAIN The brain structure is composed of three main parts: the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain, each with multiple parts . Forebrain The Cerebrum : Also known as the cerebral cortex, the cerebrum is the largest part of the human brain, and it is associated with higher brain function such as thought and action.
Cerebrum Structure The cerebrum comprises the largest part of the brain. It develops prenatally, from the prosencephalon of the embryo . It is divided into 2 halves, the left and right hemisphere. The 2 hemispheres control opposite sides of the body, i.e., the right hemisphere controls the left side of the body and vice versa . The hemispheres are connected to each other by a structure called the corpus callosum , which is a dense, thick set of nerve fibers that divides the two hemispheres and facilitates communication between them . The cortex is the outer grey matter covering the surface of the cerebrum.
The cerebral cortex (2-5 mm thick) contains billions of neurons. During Embryonic development, the cortical region rolls and folds Upon itself. The folds are called GYRI ( convolutions) .the deepest grooves between the folds are called FISSURES and the shallower grooves Are termed as SULCI.
FUNCTIONAL AREAS OF CEREBRAL CORTEX
The cerebral cortex is divided into sensory, motor and association areas. Sensory areas receive sensory input, motor areas control movement of muscles. Association areas are involved with more complex functions such as learning, decision making and complex movements such as writing. The central sulcus divides the primary sensory and motor areas. Both the sensory cortex and the motor cortex have been mapped out according to what part of the body it controls. A larger portion of the cortex is involved with the lips, face, and fingers which contain a greater number of sensory receptors. .
Broca’s area, the motor speech area, is involved in translating thoughts into speech. Impulses from this area control the muscles of the larynx, pharynx and mouth that enable us to speak. The visual area receives visual stimuli and the visual association area helps to interpret those stimuli. It is also involved with memory and recognition. The auditory area receives auditory information. The auditory association area is where sound is interpreted as noise, music or speech