On Definitions of Cortex

Abstract

The question of whether certain ‘paleocortical’ regions are cortex or not is fundamentally one of definition, but it is nonetheless important; it does not seem likely that further anatomical observations, of the kind already at hand, are going to decide the matter. The importance of classifying an area as cortex must He in the emphasis this puts on features common to all cortex, and its ultimate validity will rest on how well the anatomical criteria used correspond to the realities of cortical function. However, the function(s) of cortex has yet to be established, so it is a matter for speculation how its structure might reflect it. This is something of an impasse. Nevertheless, attempts to reach a reasonable definition are of practical concern and this objection cannot be allowed to frustrate them. Consequently a definition of cortex will be attempted later in this account.