Cerebral cortex
Modules 1 and 2 response
The concept that I found most challenging is the cerebral cortex. I had trouble with understanding the functions of the left and right hemisphere which then splits into four main divisions. To clarify this concept, I used two strategies; first I concentrated on discipline-specific or the existing knowledge, and secondly, I conducted my research about brain function. I was interested in learning more about how the brain works and even understand new concepts that have not been demonstrated in the classroom. I conducted a detailed study from different scientific fields and the fields have provided a complete picture and clarification about the cerebral cortex and its functions. In modules 1 and 2, I learned the basic concepts but I had a weak level of understanding but after conducting research, I have gained scientific thinking. Research knowledge is very important as it has helped reach my learning goals and I have gained a scientific understanding of the complex topic that curriculum could not offer.
The research has provided clarification that the cerebral cortex has two parts. The right hemisphere and the left Hampshire. Both have corpus callosum which aids in communication, and both Hampshire plays a similar role in controlling muscles and glands on the right and left side of the brain. Each hemisphere has four lobes which help in processing somatosensation, processing memory formation, planning movement, and recognizing the visual world (Van Essen et al. 2018). In general, the cerebral cortex helps in remembering, speech production, reasoning, sound recognition, learning, and other roles. For the cerebral cortex to carry out these functions, there are subcortical structures that send and receive information. However, the cerebral cortex has cortical regions and these are the main regions that help the cerebral cortex carry out its role. For example, the sensory areas receive information from the sensor, motor areas control voluntary movements, and association areas help in abstract thinking and language (Van Essen et al. 2018). One real-world example that may help understand the cerebral cortex is that children with higher socioeconomic status have higher reading and language abilities than children from low socioeconomic status. This is because children from a wealthy background have a larger cortex and children from poor backgrounds have less cortical surface. Note that low socioeconomic status affects brain development since children suffer from insufficient nutrition, stress, and other factors. On the other hand, children with higher socioeconomic status grow in enriching environments that enhance brain growth and increase brain activity (Javed & Lui, 2019). Thus, it is important to alleviate childhood poverty and enrich the environment hence increase the child's executive functions.
Finally, I have learned that knowledge about human cortical development is important as it helps understand the neurodevelopmental conditions which occur not only due to genetic factors but also environmental factors. For instance, Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder occurs as a result of reduced cerebral and cortical volume. The decrease results to decrease cortical folding hence DHD (Javed & Lui, 2019). Abnormalities in cortical folding affect the frontal and posterior cortical which increases executive control. In general, the brain defines our humanity and understanding how the brain work may help keep it healthy. My take way from modules 1 and 2 is that the frontal lobe helps me in planning a schedule, and make reasoned arguments. It also helps with taste, touch, and movement. Another takeaway is that the cerebral cortex is part of the forebrain and it is the largest part of the brain.
References
Van Essen, D. C., Donahue, C. J., & Glasser, M. F. (2018). Development and evolution of
cerebral and cerebellar cortex. Brain, behavior and evolution, 91, 158-169. https://www.karger.com/Article/Fulltext/489943
Javed, K., & Lui, F. (2019). Neuroanatomy, Cerebral Cortex. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls
Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537247/
