Final answer:
A formal mental status exam covers five areas: orientation and memory, language and speech, sensorium, and judgment and abstract reasoning, vital for assessing cognitive abilities and cerebral functions.
Step-by-step explanation:
A formal mental status exam covers five key areas related to cerebral functions: orientation and memory, language and speech, sensorium (attention and awareness), and judgment and abstract reasoning. These cognitive abilities are assessed through a series of subtests designed to elucidate behaviors linked to these functions. By analyzing results from these areas, clinicians can determine the extent of function and possibly the regions of the cerebrum that may be affected by damage or disease. The mental status exam is crucial for uncovering issues with higher functions such as memory, language, and emotion.