The Midbrain and Cerebral Cortex...

[pineappletree]

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I know that both are involved in Sensory relay and motor response,
But can anyone inform me as to how their specific functions in these catagories vary from each other?

 

[Phantastic]

I have very limited knowledge here, but it usually helps me to think of the evolutionary history to derive the function. I believe the cerebral cortex is a "higher" addition in the evolutionary sense, and probably contributes more to the coordination of signals between other areas?

 

[PiBond]

I know that both are involved in Sensory relay and motor response,
But can anyone inform me as to how their specific functions in these catagories vary from each other?

midbrain is a relay station in the sense that signals going to either the cerebellum, cortex, whatever need to go through it. the cortex is the most complex thing in the universe (literally). it's what makes you, you. it's only around 4mm thick and contains somatosensory cortex and motor cortex. if you have time, pick up "conversations with neal's brain". it's a fascinating book about this stuff and it puts everything in laymen's terms

for the cortex just understand the concept of the homunculus, the different lobes and functions (ie parietal, temporal, etc), and their location. anything neuro-related on the mcat generally deals with neuron/APs

 

[Charles_Carmichael]

This is likely beyond the scope of the MCAT. You don't need to know this much detail.

 

[redlight]

so if you still want a summary of what the role of the cerebellum in motor function speak now or forever hold your peace.

 

[pineappletree]

Please do!!


=)