Understanding the Cortices: The Outer Layers of Neurons in the Brain

Cortices are the outer layers of neurons in the brain that receive and process sensory information. These layers are responsible for transmitting signals from one neuron to another and for integrating those signals into a coherent perception of the world around us.

In the context of neuroscience, the term "cortices" is often used to refer to the entire outer layer of the brain, including all of the different regions and subregions that make up this layer. The cortices are divided into four main regions: the frontal cortex, parietal cortex, temporal cortex, and occipital cortex, each of which is responsible for processing specific types of sensory information.

For example, the visual cortex, located in the occipital lobe, is responsible for processing visual information, while the auditory cortex, located in the temporal lobe, is responsible for processing sound. The prefrontal cortex, located in the frontal lobe, is involved in higher-order cognitive functions such as decision-making and planning.

Overall, the cortices play a critical role in our ability to perceive and understand the world around us, and dysfunction in these regions can lead to a wide range of neurological and psychiatric disorders.