Neocortex

The neocortex plays an important role in our lives as it is the largest part of our brain. It consists of many layers and performs a number of important functions. I will look at some of the main functions performed by the neocortex:

- Reasoning and planning: This function refers to a person's ability to understand the world around him and plan his actions. A person is described in the neurocortex as a planner who knows how to look ahead. - Cognitive information processing: The neocortex is credited with a central role in human cognitive abilities. It is believed that thanks to it we can absorb and operate with large amounts of information. This includes the ability to read and write, as well as the ability to form ideas and solve problems.

The concept of corticalization comes from comparative psychology (eg Darwin, Thorndike). The studies in which it occurs do not take into account details such as whether the reaction is localized in the brain. The functions attributed to the neocortex relate to considerations of self-regulation and proprioception. Indeed, in many experiments on fine hand movements carried out on an oculography machine, dilation of the pupils is observed in an adult. It follows that the putative neocortex is localized in the brainstem. Another study by William Kellogg suggests that the mouse retina can detect and provide enough information to decipher the complex movement patterns required to operate spinning drums with motor control. The detection threshold for touch is, of course, much lower than the sensory threshold. Apparently there is motor control (muscle activation?) of tactile processing in the spinal cord. This involves identifying relationships, but the controlled responses do not involve body movement. Muscles work predominantly together, regardless of demands.