Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
glossary of
affenspalte crescent-shaped sulcus at front end of visual cortex on apes'
and monkeys' brains, German for “ape fissure,” old-fashioned term for
lunate sulcus
association cortex expanses of the cerebral cortex that integrate input
that has already been processed by primary sensory and motor cortical
areas, involved in higher mental functions
broca's area a region of prefrontal cortex of the left frontal lobe of humans
that facilitates speech, known also as Broca's speech area
brodmann's area 10 (ba 10) most anterior (frontopolar) part of frontal
lobe; important for switching between mental states, multitasking, and
simulating future events; increased significantly in size during human
evolution
cerebellum a structure at the base of the brain that is involved with move-
ment, equilibrium, balance, and some cognitive functions; Latin for “little
brain”
cerebral cortex outermost part of brain that is involved in higher
cognitive functions, including conscious thought
cerebrum largest part of brain; consists of two cerebral hemispheres, each of
which is divided into various lobes
convolutions folds or convexities of gray matter on the outermost part of
the brain
cranial capacity the volume of the braincase measured in cubic centi-
meters (cm
3
), a proxy for brain size in grams
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