Associative Cortex: Characteristics And Functions

The brain is as complex as life itself. Each of its parts is important and has a function, but none could fulfill it if the others were not connected to it and to each other. The links between the various parts of our brain are, therefore, of vital importance. An example of this is the associative cortex, which without the unions it establishes could not function properly.

The associative cortex is a fundamental part of the cerebral cortex for our day-to-day functioning. Thanks to it, we can recognize various shapes, process sounds, compose a melody, link smells with memories and taste flavors, among many other functions.

Specifically, this cortical area is responsible for integrating what we perceive, in such a way that it gives meaning to what we receive sensory, also known as sensory input .

Next, we explore this incredible part of the brain, one of the most modern phylogenetically. Let’s go deeper.

What is the associative cortex?

The associative cortex, which, along with other areas, makes up the cerebral cortex, is the outermost and most visible part of the cortex. Its main role is to link together the information that comes from different regions of the brain and is, therefore, in charge of integrating the information that comes from the senses.

How does it work?

Through the different connections it has, the associative cortex integrates the stimuli we receive and facilitates the interpretation of what happens to us. It does so by connecting with a sensory system or with several simultaneously.

Therefore, the associative cortex is a kind of translator: as it receives different information, it transforms it into a language capable of being computed and understood at the brain and cognitive level.

The final result is the culmination, from all this incoming information, in a concrete and defined perception referring to our internal or external environment. Awesome, right?

What are the regions of the associative cortex?

This cortex is multi-sensory in nature. It is capable of associating different sensations with each other and associating these, in turn, with motor areas. To do this, it has the following areas:

• Auditory associative cortex. It is responsible for the perception and recognition of sounds. Therefore, it is necessary for the interpretation of these and their link with other areas. In addition, its stimulation can remind you of music from the past.

• Associative region of the insula lobe. It is responsible for integrating information related to the sense of taste. In addition, it has been given sensitive functions related to smell and is responsible for various autonomic functions among other tasks.
• Vestibular associative area. It allows us to appreciate body positions and head movements in space. Likewise, it is related to the sensory-motor function of balance.
• Associative visual zone. Relate the visual information you receive to records of past visual experiences. This allows us to recognize or remember what is being seen.
• Associative areas of language. These areas are divided into two: Wernicke’s and Broca’s. The first deals with relating sounds with concepts – it favors the understanding of language -; the second is essential for the motor generation of spoken language.

• Parieto-temporo-occipital associative zone. It is responsible for linking visual, proprioceptive and tactile information. In this way, it integrates the concepts of shape, size and texture. In addition, it is related to the perception of body image and awareness of the body scheme.
• Associative prefrontal cortex. It is located in front of the motor cortex, and is related to the control of behavior and executive functions – such as, for example, decision-making and planning. It is also important for the expression of language.
• Limbic associative area. Together with the parieto-temporo-occipital and the prefrontal, it makes up the three great areas of association. It is responsible for integrating information from the limbic system, that is, it helps us capture and understand emotions and link them to memories.

L as the association cortex regions can also be classified into unimodal and polymodal : the first are adjacent to the main sensory areas and are responsible for processing information in a single direction or perform a single function; on the other hand, the latter are in charge of integrating various information from different senses and carrying out various functions.

Pathologies associated with the associative cortex

Damage to the associative cortex is serious in nature. Therefore, it generally creates a significant disability in the affected person.

Let’s look at some of the pathologies that can derive from its damage or malfunction:

• Agnosias. It is about the impossibility of recognizing objects through a sense. People with visual agnosia are unable to recognize an object in front of them that they see perfectly well.

• Apraxias. Inability to carry out tasks or movements under an order to do so or at will, as long as it involves an orderly sequence of movements.
• Aphasia. Language disorder in which there is an inability or difficulty to communicate or understand.
• Emotional and cognitive-behavioral difficulties. The injury may make it impossible or difficult to express emotions, in addition to a personality alteration and problems in understanding orders, planning actions and executing them.

An expert author on this subject that should not be missed is Oliver Sacks. He was a neurologist and popularizer who published immortal science-based works related to neurology.

These books helped and help the non-specialized public to understand the complexity of the brain. We should delve into his works, because in them the author relates with humanity and in stupendous detail dramatic neurological problems, and among them, some related to the associative cortex.

For example, he wrote  The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat. It is a book in which he tells the story of Doctor P., a musician who claimed to have vision problems and who, after examining him, Dr. Sacks saw trying to find his hat after finishing the visit … And what he did! was holding his wife’s hand trying to put it on!

From his observations, Sacks was able to deduce that the problem was in the brain and not in sight. It was, therefore, a peculiar case of agnosia, which did not allow Doctor P. to recognize human faces from the sense of sight. Surprising, right? It was the first reported case of prosopagnosia.

In addition, the associative cortex manages communication between various senses so that we can understand environmental stimuli in an integrated way. A very difficult – but strictly essential – task of our day to day.