Cortical mosaic is a term which according to Pavlov refers to the pattern of points of excitation and inhibition that characterizes the cortex at any given moment.
In the psychology context, the term "cortical mosaic" refers to the unique organization of neurons in the cerebral cortex. The cerebral cortex is responsible for various higher-order cognitive functions, such as perception, attention, memory, language, and decision-making. The cortical mosaic refers to the spatial arrangement of different types of neurons, their connections, and the distribution of functional areas within the cortex.
The cortical mosaic is believed to be responsible for individual differences in cognitive abilities and behavioral traits. The organization of the cortical mosaic is determined by genetic factors and early developmental experiences. Individual differences in cortical organization can influence cognitive and emotional processing, and may be associated with disorders such as autism, schizophrenia, and depression.
Examples of studies exploring the cortical mosaic include examining the organization of the primary visual cortex in response to visual stimuli, identifying the distribution of neurons that respond to specific sensory inputs, and investigating the functional connectivity between different brain regions. Studies have also explored the relationship between cortical organization and behavior, such as examining the relationship between individual differences in cortical organization and performance on cognitive tasks or social interaction.