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Cerebral Cortex

By Julie Stachowiak, Ph.D., About.com

Updated: February 22, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition: The gray matter that is the outer layer of the cerebral hemispheres. It is about one-quarter inch thick.

The cerebral cortex is responsible for conscious experience and cognitive functioning, including perception of stimuli, thought, emotion and planning.

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