The association cortex (neocortex) is six-layered gray matter outside the primary sensory, motor and limbic areas, integrating information for higher functions such as language and cognition.
Four association areas: prefrontal, parietal-occipital-temporal, temporal and limbic association cortex.
Association Cortex: Location and Feedback Organization
Where each association area lies:
Prefrontal: rostral to the premotor area.
Parietal-occipital-temporal: between the somatosensory/visual cortices above and posterior temporal cortex below.
Temporal: extends from the lower temporal lobe to the limbic system.
Limbic: the cortical areas linked to the limbic system.
Feedback control: descending pyramidal-cell axon collaterals project via association neurons back to their own dendrites, the anatomical basis of feedback.