The association cortex is a part of the cerebral cortex that performs complex cognitive functions.[1][2] Unlike primary sensory or motor areas, which process specific sensory inputs or motor outputs, the association cortex integrates information from various sources to support higher-order cognitive processes. This integration allows for complex functions such as perception, language, and thought. Therefore, species that possess large amounts of association cortex tend to show advanced reasoning skills.[3]
The association cortex is generally divided into unimodal and heteromodal (or polymodal) areas, which process either a single sensory modality or multiple modalities, respectively.
- ^ Armstrong, R. A. (1 January 2021). "Chapter 1 - The structure of the human brain as revealed in six histological sections". Diagnosis, Management and Modeling of Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Academic Press: 3–11. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-817988-8.00001-4. ISBN 978-0-12-817988-8. S2CID 236679910. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
- ^ Betts, J Gordon; Desaix, Peter; Johnson, Eddie; Johnson, Jody E; Korol, Oksana; Kruse, Dean; Poe, Brandon; Wise, James; Womble, Mark D; Young, Kelly A (May 14, 2023). Anatomy & Physiology. Houston: OpenStax CNX. 16.2 The mental status exam. ISBN 978-1-947172-04-3.
- ^ Krawczyk, Daniel C. (1 January 2018). "Chapter 3 - The Neuroscience of Reasoning". Reasoning. Academic Press: 41–69. doi:10.1016/B978-0-12-809285-9.00003-X. ISBN 978-0-12-809285-9. Retrieved 5 June 2023.