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Related Concept Videos

Association Areas of the Cortex01:21

Association Areas of the Cortex

Association areas are regions of the cerebral cortex that do not have a specific sensory or motor function. Instead, they integrate and interpret information from various sources to enable higher cognitive processes such as memory, learning, and decision-making. Some key association areas include the following:
Prefrontal Association Area: This area is located in the frontal lobe and is involved in planning, decision-making, and moderating social behavior. It connects with primary motor areas,...
Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex01:14

Motor and Sensory Areas of the Cortex

The cerebral cortex, the brain's outermost layer, is pivotal in processing complex cognitive tasks, emotions, and various sensory inputs and executing voluntary motor activities. This intricate structure is divided into three primary functional areas: the motor areas, sensory areas, and association areas.
Motor Areas
The motor areas located in the frontal lobe are central to controlling voluntary movements. This region is further subdivided into the primary motor cortex and the premotor cortex.
Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex01:23

Somatosensory, Motor, and Association Cortex

The somatosensory cortex in the parietal lobes is crucial for interpreting sensory data such as touch, temperature, and proprioception. The somatosensory cortex, situated in the parietal lobes, plays a vital role in interpreting sensory information like touch, temperature, and proprioception—awareness of body position. This specialized brain region features an organized structure wherein neurons at the top primarily process sensations originating from the lower body. In contrast, those at the...
Organization of the Brain01:30

Organization of the Brain

The brain is an integral component of the nervous system and serves as the center for processing sensory inputs, making decisions, and directing bodily actions. This complex organ is organized into three primary sections: the hindbrain, midbrain, and forebrain, each responsible for a range of vital functions.
Hindbrain
The hindbrain, located at the base of the brain, plays a vital role in regulating automatic processes that sustain life. It includes the medulla oblongata, which is essential for...

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Large-scale Three-dimensional Imaging of Cellular Organization in the Mouse Neocortex
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Neocortical arealization: evolution, mechanisms, and open questions.

Christian Alfano1, Michèle Studer

  • 1Institute of Biology Valrose, iBV, UMR INSERM1091/CNRS7277/UNS, Nice, F-06108, France. christian.alfano@unice.fr

Developmental Neurobiology
|December 15, 2012
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

The mammalian neocortex, responsible for higher brain functions, is organized into distinct functional areas through a process called arealization. Understanding its evolution and development remains a complex challenge, despite advances in genetics.

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Last Updated: May 16, 2026

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Developmental Biology
  • Evolutionary Biology

Background:

  • The mammalian neocortex is crucial for complex cognitive functions like thought and consciousness.
  • It exhibits a conserved six-layered structure, subdivided into specialized functional areas (arealization).
  • Neocortical organization is vital for sensory processing, association, and motor control.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review current knowledge and hypotheses on neocortical area development (ontogenesis) and evolution.
  • To highlight unresolved questions and emerging research directions in neocortical patterning.
  • To explore the genetic and plastic mechanisms underlying neocortical arealization.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on neocortical development and evolution.
  • Analysis of genetic and molecular studies investigating arealization.
  • Discussion of neuroplasticity and its role in neocortical reorganization.

Main Results:

  • Neocortical arealization involves a conserved genetic program, evidenced by conserved area positioning across mammalian species.
  • Neocortical plasticity allows for significant rewiring and reorganization following sensory pathway impairments.
  • While specific genes are implicated, the overarching logic of neocortical bauplan remains incompletely understood.

Conclusions:

  • The development and evolution of neocortical areas involve a complex interplay between genetic programming and environmental influences (plasticity).
  • Further research is needed to fully comprehend the fundamental principles governing neocortical organization.
  • Emerging studies offer promising avenues for future investigations into neocortical arealization.