NEOPALLIUM Meaning and
Definition
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The term "neopallium" refers to the outermost layer of the cerebral cortex in the brains of mammals. It is a region responsible for higher cognitive functions, such as perception, attention, memory, and decision-making. The word is derived from the Latin "neo," meaning "new," and the Greek "pallium," meaning "mantle" or "covering," suggesting its evolutionary development.
The neopallium is found predominantly in higher-order mammals, particularly primates, including humans. It is characterized by its highly convoluted surface, known as gyri and sulci, which allow for increased surface area and therefore greater neuronal connectivity. This intricate organization contributes to complex cognitive abilities observed in these animals.
Within the neopallium, different regions can be further classified based on their functional specialization. For example, the prefrontal cortex, situated at the front of the neopallium, is involved in executive functions, such as decision-making, planning, and behavioral control. The primary sensory regions, such as those responsible for vision, hearing, and touch, are located in other areas of the neopallium.
The neopallium can be considered the evolutionary innovation that led to the development of advanced cognitive abilities in mammals. It distinguishes them from other species, as it has expanded and become more complex over time. The neopallium is often regarded as the center of higher cognitive processing and is crucial for the sophisticated behaviors seen in mammals, especially primates.
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The pallium of the cortex (which is of more recent origin), as distinguished from the olfactory portion, or archi-pallium.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for NEOPALLIUM
- beopallium
- meopallium
- jeopallium
- heopallium
- nwopallium
- nsopallium
- ndopallium
- nropallium
- n4opallium
- n3opallium
- neipallium
- nekpallium
- nelpallium
- neppallium
- ne0pallium
- ne9pallium
- neooallium
- neolallium
- neo-allium
Etymology of NEOPALLIUM
The term "neopallium" is derived from two root words: "neo-" and "pallium".
1. "Neo-" is a combining form that originates from the Greek word "neos", meaning "new" or "recent". It is often used in English to designate something new or modern.
2. "Pallium" comes from the Latin word "pallium", which referred to a cloak or a covering garment worn in ancient Rome. In the context of neuroanatomy, "pallium" specifically denotes the cerebral cortex, the outer layer of the brain responsible for higher cognitive functions.
By combining these roots, "neopallium" essentially means "new cortex" or "recent cerebral cortex". The word is frequently used in the field of comparative neuroanatomy to describe an evolved or advanced form of the cerebral cortex found in more recently evolved mammals.
Similar spelling words for NEOPALLIUM
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