Epicortical

/ˌɛpɪˈkɔːrtɪkəl/ adjective

Definition

Relating to or situated on the outer surface of the cortex, the brain's thinking layer.

Etymology

From Greek 'epi-' (upon) + Latin 'cortex' (bark, rind) + '-al' (relating to). The term emerged in neuroscience to describe structures above or on the cortical surface.

Kelly Says

Neuroscientists use 'epicortical' to study brain tissue collected during surgery—it's the closest they can get to watching the brain think in real-time, which has revealed surprising connections between language and memory.

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