What is the outer layer of tissue covering the cerebrum called?

The outer layer of tissue covering the cerebrum is known as the cerebral cortex. This structure plays a crucial role in many high-level brain functions, including sensory perception, cognition, motor control, and decision-making. The cerebral cortex is composed of multiple layers of neurons and is characterized by its folded appearance, which increases its surface area and allows for a greater number of neurons to be present.

In the context of the other options, while gray matter refers to the regions of the brain that are primarily made up of neuronal cell bodies and is present in the cerebral cortex, it does not specifically indicate the outer covering. White matter, on the other hand, consists mainly of myelinated axons and lies beneath the cerebral cortex, facilitating communication between different areas of the brain. Neocortex is a specific part of the cerebral cortex that is associated with higher brain functions but does not encompass the entire outer layer. Thus, the term cerebral cortex is the most accurate and encompassing descriptor for the outer layer of the cerebrum.