What part of the brain is associated with higher cognitive functions?

The cerebral cortex is the part of the brain that is primarily associated with higher cognitive functions. This includes complex processes such as reasoning, problem-solving, planning, and decision-making. The cerebral cortex is divided into several regions that are responsible for different functions, including sensory perception, motor control, and language processing.

The outer layer of the brain, the cerebral cortex, contains a vast network of neurons that facilitate communication between different regions, allowing for the integration of information and enabling advanced cognitive tasks. Its structure, characterized by folds called gyri and grooves known as sulci, increases the surface area and enhances its capacity for processing information.

The other areas mentioned, such as the cerebellum, brainstem, and hippocampus, play important roles in various neurological and physiological functions, but they are not primarily responsible for the higher cognitive functions that the cerebral cortex handles. The cerebellum primarily coordinates movement and balance, the brainstem controls basic life functions like breathing and heartbeat, and the hippocampus is crucial for memory formation but is not directly involved in higher cognitive activities.