What does the term "cerebrum" refer to in the context of brain anatomy?

The term "cerebrum" refers specifically to the two large hemispheres of the brain, which encompass a significant portion of its mass and are crucial for various high-level cognitive functions. This area is responsible for processes such as thought, learning, memory, and voluntary movement control. The cerebrum is divided into the right and left hemispheres, which are connected by a structure known as the corpus callosum, facilitating communication between them.

It plays a vital role in sensory perception, as well as in the integration of complex behaviors and emotions. The outer layer of the cerebrum, known as the cerebral cortex, is particularly important for higher cognitive functions, but the term "cerebrum" itself refers more broadly to the entire structure made up of the two hemispheres. This distinction highlights the complexity and functionality of the brain's largest part.