corpus striatum
- noun
- /ˈkɔr.pəs ˈstraɪ.ə.təm/
- Specialized
- The corpus striatum plays a critical role in coordinating voluntary movements.
Examples
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Research has shown that the function of the corpus striatum is essential for learning and habit formation.
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And here it shows the accent going to corpus striatum and to the neocortex.
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They're encapsulated by the corpus striatum, OK.
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In a brain scan, the corpus striatum is prominently visible alongside the thalamus.
Synonyms
A part of the brain that helps control movement and reward
Part of the brain made of white and grey matter that helps control movement
Surface Forms
Morphology
The components 'corpus' (body/mass) and 'striatum' (a brain region) combine to yield a plausibly compositional meaning — essentially the body/mass of the striatum — so a learner who knows both parts can infer it refers to a brain structure. However, this is a specialized Latin anatomical name whose precise internal composition and technical sense require domain knowledge beyond B1, so the meaning is only partially predictable despite cross‑linguistic similarity of medical Latin terms.
Etymology
Corpus striatum comes from old Latin words: corpus meaning 'body' and striatum meaning 'striped'. Scientists gave this name because the area of the brain looks like a striped body, so the name now refers to that specific brain part.