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neocortex

neocortex

4 8.7
The outer part of the brain that helps with thinking, sensing, and controlling movement
  • noun
  • /ˈniːoʊˌkɔːr.tɛks/
  • Specialized
: neocortex
  • During sleep, the neocortex goes into a slow wave pattern for about 90 percent of that time.

We have motor neurons in our cortex, in our neocortex that control deliberate action.

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Examples

  • Scientists study the neocortex to understand how we process sensory information and make decisions.

  • The neocortex, so much larger than in any other species, has added all that is distinctly human.

    Academic text (1998)
  • Is it "control" via the neocortex or "influence" by the neocortex?

    Blog text (26)
  • We need a new way to read the projections from the neocortex.

  • Research cited earlier shows that during and immediately after stress, the executive functions of the neocortex are diminished.

    Academic text (2009)
  • We have motor neurons in our cortex, in our neocortex that control deliberate action.

  • The brain activity and processes in the neocortex of the cerebral hemispheres conduct the primary activity in the physical realm.

    Blog text (21)
  • Dunbar assumes that the current size of the human neocortex showed up about 250,000 years ago.

    Blog text (26)
  • The brain's neocortex plays a crucial role in our ability to think and reason.

  • Damage to the neocortex can lead to difficulties with speech and problem-solving.

Synonyms

cerebral cortex
vsneocortex
  • Specialized
17 5.0

The outer layer of the brain that helps thinking, remembering, and deciding

is the more specific evolved cortical part rather than the whole outer layer
neopallium
vsneocortex
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A part of the brain that helps with thinking, sensing, and controlling movement

has identical meaning but is a different traditional term
neoencephalon
vsneocortex
  • Specialized
9.9

The newest part of the brain that controls thinking, learning, and senses

is the narrower cortical region itself, not the broader evolutionary group

Surface Forms

neocortex singular
neocortices plural

Morphology

neocortex = cortex (semi-transparent) = neo + cortex

Formed from the productive prefix 'neo-' meaning 'new' plus the technical root 'cortex'; the components are clear but both are specialised anatomical terms not familiar to all learners.

Etymology

Neocortex comes from Greek parts neo- meaning 'new' and cortex meaning 'bark' or 'shell', like the outside of a tree. So the neocortex is the 'new outer layer' of the brain, and this newer outer part does the higher jobs such as thinking, sensing, and planning actions.