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Related Concept Videos

Language and Cognition01:27

Language and Cognition

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Language serves as a bridge between ideas and communication, influencing how individuals perceive and interact with the world. Psychologists have long debated whether language shapes thought or vice versa. This discussion gained grip with Edward Sapir and Benjamin Lee Whorf in the 1940s, who proposed that language determines thought, a concept known as linguistic determinism. They suggested that the vocabulary and structure of a language influence how its speakers think and perceive reality.
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Cerebrum: Anatomical Overview II01:11

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Each cerebral hemisphere can be divided into three main regions. The outermost region, the cerebral cortex, is a thin layer (2 to 4 millimeters thick) made up of gray matter, consisting of neuron cell bodies, dendrites, glial cells, and blood vessels. The middle region, or white matter, is primarily composed of myelinated nerve fibers organized into three types of large tracts: association fibers, commissures, and projection fibers. Association fibers connect different areas within the same...
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The cerebellum, while traditionally associated with motor control, also plays a crucial role in memory, particularly in procedural memory, which involves learning motor tasks that become automatic through repetition. For example, studies have shown that when the cerebellum is damaged, individuals or animals lose the ability to learn conditioned motor responses, such as the conditioned eye-blink response in classical conditioning experiments with rabbits. This study demonstrates the...
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Spinal Cord: Cross-sectional Anatomy01:16

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The cross-sectional anatomy of the spinal cord offers a detailed view of its complex structure and function within the central nervous system. At the core of the spinal cord lies the gray matter, characterized by its butterfly or "H"-shaped appearance in cross-section. This central region is enveloped by white matter, with the overall structure divided into symmetrical halves by the dorsal median sulcus and the ventral median fissure.
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Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
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Organization of the Brain01:30

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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.
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Updated: Mar 16, 2026

Evaluation of the Cognitive Performance of Hypertensive Patients with Silent Cerebrovascular Lesions
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White matter and cognition: making the connection.

Christopher M Filley1,2, R Douglas Fields3

  • 1Behavioral Neurology Section, Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado; christopher.filley@ucdenver.edu.

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|August 12, 2016
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The brain's white matter, crucial for neural networks, is vital for cognitive function. White matter disorders can impact cognition and may be linked to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Neurology

Background:

  • The cerebral cortex was traditionally viewed as the primary center for cognition.
  • White matter, comprising 50% of the brain, is increasingly recognized for its critical role in cognitive function.
  • White matter tracts are essential for neural connectivity and neurobehavioral operations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of white matter in cognitive function.
  • To explore the link between white matter lesions and cognitive disturbances.
  • To hypothesize the relevance of white matter dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders.

Main Methods:

  • Review of evidence from behavioral neurology.
  • Analysis of the role of white matter in the physiology of distributed neural networks.
  • Discussion of emerging concepts in prevention and treatment of white matter disorders.

Main Results:

  • White matter lesions are consistently associated with cognitive disturbances.
  • White matter dysfunction is hypothesized to be relevant in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and chronic traumatic encephalopathy.
  • Emerging strategies for prevention and treatment of cognitive dysfunction related to white matter disorders are discussed.

Conclusions:

  • White matter is indispensable for cognitive function, working in concert with gray matter.
  • Understanding white matter's role enhances our knowledge of brain function and neurobehavioral disorders.
  • Further research into white matter disorders offers potential for improved treatments and new therapeutic avenues.