Final answer:
Korbinian Brodmann introduced the concept of six layers in the human cerebral cortex. Features include the division into hemispheres, extensive folding to increase gray matter surface area, and the corpus callosum facilitating hemisphere communication.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea of having six layers of the human cerebral cortex was proposed by Korbinian Brodmann in the early 20th century. He conducted a detailed study of its cellular organization and presented a way to divide the cortex into different areas, now known as Brodmann areas, based on its cytoarchitecture. The cerebral cortex is the outer layer of the cerebrum and is crucial for many higher functions such as perception, language, and memory.
Some features of the cerebral cortex include its division into two hemispheres by the longitudinal fissure and its extensive folding, which increases the surface area, allowing for more gray matter to fit into the cranial cavity. Each hemisphere is responsible for different functions and the corpus callosum, a band of white matter, facilitates communication between the two. The importance of the cortex is illustrated by its folding, which if unfolded, the gray matter of the cortex would cover roughly one square meter.