Ajukoores

Ajukoores, known in English as the cerebral cortex, is the outer layer of neural tissue that forms the superficial covering of the cerebrum in mammals. It is a gray matter structure composed of the six-layered neocortex, plus older, less laminated regions such as the archicortex and paleocortex in limbic areas. The cortex is highly folded, with gyri and sulci that increase surface area and cortical connectivity.

Anatomy and function: The cortex is divided into four lobes—frontal, parietal, temporal, and occipital—plus the insular cortex. Functional areas include the primary motor cortex (precentral gyrus) and primary somatosensory cortex (postcentral gyrus), primary visual cortex in the occipital lobe, and primary auditory cortex in the temporal lobe. Association areas integrate information, support perception, language, memory, and executive function. The prefrontal cortex plays a key role in planning, decision-making, and social behavior.

Development and vascular supply: The six cortical layers arise during prenatal development and mature through childhood. The cortex receives blood through branches of the cerebral arteries, especially the middle cerebral artery, with contributions from the anterior and posterior cerebral arteries.

Clinical relevance: Cortical injury or disease can impair movement, sensation, language, or cognition. Strokes affecting cortical areas, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease are commonly associated with cortical dysfunction.

Name and usage: Ajukoores is Estonian for the cerebral cortex, a term used in anatomical and medical contexts to denote this brain region.