Paleocortex
(Redirected from Paleopallium)
Paleocortex is a type of cerebral cortex that is involved in the processing of olfactory information, emotions, and certain aspects of memory and learning. It is considered one of the oldest parts of the cerebrum in evolutionary terms, hence the prefix "paleo-", which means "old". The paleocortex is distinguished from the neocortex, which is a more recently evolved layer of the cerebral cortex, involved in higher-order brain functions such as sensory perception, cognition, and generation of motor commands.
Structure[edit | edit source]
The paleocortex is characterized by having fewer layers of neurons than the neocortex, which typically has six. In contrast, the paleocortex has three to five layers, making its structure simpler. It is primarily located in the parahippocampal gyrus and the uncus, regions that are part of the limbic system, a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involved with instinct and mood. It controls the basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, care of offspring).
Function[edit | edit source]
The primary function of the paleocortex is related to the sense of smell (olfaction) and the processing of olfactory information. It plays a significant role in the emotional life of mammals and has connections to the hippocampus, which is crucial for the formation of memory. Through these connections, the paleocortex is involved in the emotional coloring of memories and the association of memories with particular smells.
Evolution[edit | edit source]
The paleocortex is an ancient part of the mammalian brain, reflecting its importance in early mammals for whom the sense of smell was a primary sense for navigating their environment, finding food, and detecting predators. Over time, as mammals evolved more complex behaviors and higher cognitive functions, the neocortex became more dominant. However, the paleocortex remains a critical component of the brain, particularly in the processing of emotions and olfactory stimuli.
Clinical Significance[edit | edit source]
Alterations in the function of the paleocortex have been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. Given its role in emotion and memory, diseases that affect the paleocortex can lead to symptoms such as mood disorders, anxiety, and olfactory dysfunction. Understanding the paleocortex and its connections to other parts of the brain is important for developing treatments for these conditions.
This article is a neuroscience stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
Transform your life with W8MD's budget GLP1 injections from $125
W8MD offers a medical weight loss program NYC and a clinic to lose weight in Philadelphia. Our W8MD's physician supervised medical weight loss centers in NYC provides expert medical guidance, and offers telemedicine options for convenience.
Why choose W8MD?
- Comprehensive care with FDA-approved weight loss medications including:
- loss injections in NYC both generic and brand names:
- weight loss medications including Phentermine, Qsymia, Diethylpropion etc.
- Accept most insurances for visits or discounted self pay cost.
- Generic weight loss injections starting from just $125.00 for the starting dose
- In person weight loss NYC and telemedicine medical weight loss options in New York city available
- Budget GLP1 weight loss injections in NYC starting from $125.00 biweekly with insurance!
Book Your Appointment
Start your NYC weight loss journey today at our NYC medical weight loss, and Philadelphia medical weight loss Call (718)946-5500 for NY and 215 676 2334 for PA
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's NYC physician weight loss.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available. Call 718 946 5500.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD