Читать книгу The Handy Psychology Answer Book - Lisa J. Cohen - Страница 277
THE CORTEX Why is the cortex so wrinkled?
ОглавлениеThe surface of the cortex is covered with folds and looks somewhat like a walnut. These folds are referred to as convolutions. The rounded parts of the convolutions are called gyri, gyrus in the singular. The grooves between the gyri are called sulci (sulcus in the singular). These extra folds allow for much greater surface area, which in turn greatly increases the number of neurons that can fit into the relatively small space of the human skull. The more neurons we have, the more powerfully we can process information. To illustrate this efficient use of space, imagine an accordion or pleated paper fan, first folded up and then stretched out from end to end.