Final answer:
The cerebral cortex is responsible for controlling voluntary movements and cognitive functions, including memory, language, and conscious perception. Structured into specific regions, it facilitates complex mental processes and sensory or motor tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
The function of the cerebral cortex is to control voluntary movements and various cognitive functions. Cognitive functions include higher mental processes such as memory and learning, language, conscious perception, attention, judgment, and abstract reasoning. The cerebral cortex is a thin layer of gray matter on the outside of the cerebrum and is structured into regions that are responsible for specific functions, such as primary sensory or motor areas and association areas that handle complex processing. It's worth noting that, while the brain does play a role in regulating autonomic processes necessary for life, such as heartbeat and breathing, these are not primarily the functions of the cerebral cortex.