Every time I ask this question, I feel like the answer sidesteps an actual explanation. Yes, I understand that the folded, wrinkled shape allows for more surface area. The heart of my question is WHY is that important? Like, if the outermost layer of the brain is important, why couldn’t it just be a thicker layer instead of just squishing more outermost layer into a wrinkled shape?
In: 3
The brain case is has only so much room, but you are right. Recent studies show that cortical thickness AND surface area correlate to intelligence, but there is only so much space to squish it all together. A combination of thickness and folds increase total volume and positively impact IQ. Here is an scientific article referencing such a study. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3985090/
Latest Answers