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Neuroanatomy for the Neuroscientist pp 531–553Cite as

Higher Cortical Functions

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Abstract

 What is a higher cortical function? As one examines the abilities of a human, one is struck by our ability to use tools and create wonderful buildings or works of art. But our ability to communicate by speaking and writing and reading we believe is the best example of a higher cortical function. These centers that are responsible for language are primarily in the dominant hemisphere. The motor type of aphasia (Broca’s area) originates from the inferior frontal gyrus, while the sensory type of aphasia originates in the superior temporal gyrus (Wernicke’s area).

Keywords

  • Cerebral dominance
  • Dominant hemisphere
  • Non-dominant hemisphere
  • Writing
  • Speaking
  • Aphasia
  • Broca’s aphasia
  • Wernicke’s aphasia

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Boston, MA, USA

    Stanley Jacobson

  2. Jamaica Plain, MA, USA

    Elliott M. Marcus

  3. South Abington Twp., PA, USA

    Stanley Pugsley

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  1. Stanley Jacobson
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  2. Elliott M. Marcus
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Jacobson, S., Marcus, E.M., Pugsley, S. (2018). Higher Cortical Functions. In: Neuroanatomy for the Neuroscientist. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-60187-8_17

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