The cerebral cortex does not play a major role in a. short-term memory. b. long-term memory. c. circadian rhythm. d. breath holding.

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the functions primarily associated with the cerebral cortex, which include higher cognitive functions such as memory, attention, perception, cognition, awareness, thought, language, and consciousness.
2. Understand that short-term and long-term memory involve processes that are typically associated with the cerebral cortex, particularly areas such as the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus.
3. Recognize that circadian rhythms are primarily regulated by the hypothalamus, specifically the suprachiasmatic nucleus, rather than the cerebral cortex.
4. Consider the role of the cerebral cortex in voluntary actions such as breath holding, which involves conscious control and therefore engages the cerebral cortex.
5. Conclude which option among the choices given is least likely to involve the major role of the cerebral cortex based on the functions typically associated with other brain regions.

Key Concepts

Cerebral Cortex Functions

The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the brain, responsible for higher-order functions such as sensory perception, cognition, and voluntary motor actions. It plays a crucial role in processing information from the senses and is involved in complex behaviors, including decision-making and problem-solving.

Memory Types

Memory can be categorized into short-term and long-term types. Short-term memory holds information temporarily for immediate use, while long-term memory involves the storage of information over extended periods. The cerebral cortex is significantly involved in the processes of both types of memory, particularly in encoding and retrieval.

Brainstem Functions

The brainstem, which includes structures like the medulla and pons, regulates essential autonomic functions such as breathing, heart rate, and circadian rhythms. Unlike the cerebral cortex, the brainstem is primarily responsible for involuntary actions, such as breath holding and maintaining sleep-wake cycles, indicating that these functions are less reliant on the cortex.