Skip to main content
paleocortex

paleocortex

1 9.9
One of the oldest parts of the brain that processes smells
  • noun
  • /ˌpeɪliˈoʊˌkɔr.tɛks/
  • Specialized
translation icon : paleocortex
  • The paleocortex is primarily responsible for processing olfactory information in some animals.

Examples

  • Did you know the paleocortex is one of the oldest parts of the brain?

  • In evolutionary terms, the paleocortex is considered older than the neocortex.

  • Damage to the paleocortex can impair an organism's sense of smell.

  • The paleocortex plays a crucial role in the sense of smell.

  • The paleocortex plays a vital role in processing smells, making it essential for survival.

  • Researchers believe the paleocortex is responsible for some of the oldest memories in humans.

  • In evolutionary terms, the paleocortex is considered one of the first regions of the brain to develop.

Synonyms

archipallium
vspaleocortex
  • Archaic
9.9

A part of the brain that controls the sense of smell

emphasizes the same cortical smell area as evolutionarily older

Surface Forms

paleocortex singular
paleocortices plural

Morphology

paleocortex = cortex (semi-transparent) = paleo + cortex

The formation paleo- + cortex is morphologically regular (ancient/older cortex), but the specific anatomical association with olfaction is specialized and not directly inferable from the parts for average learners.

Etymology

Paleocortex comes from paleo- 'old' and -cortex 'bark' or 'outer layer', the same paleo- you see in paleontology. So, paleocortex names an older outer part of the brain that in many animals is important for the sense of smell.