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.

Types

  • Unimodal association cortex: This area receives input from a single sensory modality. The output from the unimodal cortex is largely to unimodal areas. For example, the visual association cortex in the occipital lobe processes visual information, and the auditory association cortex in the temporal lobe processes auditory information.[4]
  • Heteromodal (polymodal) association cortex: This area integrates information from multiple sensory modalities. It plays a critical role in higher cognitive functions, including attention, memory, language, and conscious thought. Heteromodal association cortex is hypothesised to be selectively involved in the neuropathology of schizophrenia.[5]

Examples in humans

  • Anterior association area: Located in the prefrontal cortex. This area is important in memory and planning.
  • Posterior association area: Located at the junction of occipital, temporal and parietal lobes. This area plays an important role in perception and language. Damage to this area can result in agnosia.
  • Limbic association area: Located in the anterior-ventral portion of the temporal lobe, this area links emotion with sensory inputs.[6]

References

  1. ↑ 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. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  2. ↑ 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.
  3. ↑ Krawczyk, Daniel C. (1 January 2018). "Chapter 3 - The Neuroscience of Reasoning". Reasoning. Academic Press: 41–69. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  4. ↑ Mendoza, John E. (2011). "Unimodal Cortex". Encyclopedia of Clinical Neuropsychology. Springer. p. 2578. ISBN 978-0-387-79948-3. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  5. ↑ Buchanan, Robert W.; Francis, Alan; Arango, Celso; Miller, Karl; Lefkowitz, David M.; McMahon, Robert P.; Barta, Patrick E.; Pearlson, Godfrey D. (February 2004). "Morphometric Assessment of the Heteromodal Association Cortex in Schizophrenia". American Journal of Psychiatry. 161 (2): 322–331. doi:10.1176/appi.ajp.161.2.322. ISSN 0002-953X. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
  6. ↑ "Higher Cortical Functions: Association and Executive Processing (Section 4, Chapter 9) Neuroscience Online: An Electronic Textbook for the Neurosciences | Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy - The University of Texas Medical School at Houston". nba.uth.tmc.edu. Retrieved 5 June 2023.
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