Final answer:
The differences in the make-up of the cortical layers reflect the respective functions each area serves in the cerebral cortex, as defined by the correlation between anatomy and function evident in Brodmann's areas.
Step-by-step explanation:
The differences in the make-up of the cortical layers correspond to the functional differences in the cerebral cortex. This relationship between structure and function is notably highlighted by the work of Korbinian Brodmann in the early 20th century. Brodmann extensively studied the microscopic anatomy of the cerebral cortex, classifying it into distinct regions based on cytoarchitecture. The areas, known as Brodmann's areas, are helpful in understanding the cortical variations that underpin different neurological functions.
Aspects such as the number, size, and shape of neurons within these regions can differ significantly, correlating with the complex processing capabilities respective to each area. For instance, areas 17 and 18 in the occipital lobe, as delineated by Brodmann, are crucial for primary visual perception, with processing extending into the temporal and parietal lobes to manage the complexity of visual information.
These structural intricacies allow the cortex to be split into lobes, where each lobe is involved in various functional domains, such as sensory perception, motor control, language, and cognition. The folding of the cortex—left near-universal by our shared embryonic development—maximizes the amount of gray matter and thus the functional capacity within the cranial cavity. This morphological and functional mapping continues to be a cornerstone of neuroscience and neuroanatomy.