subcortical

adjective

sub·​cor·​ti·​cal ˌsəb-ˈkȯr-ti-kəl 

: of, relating to, involving, or being a part of the brain below the cerebral cortex

subcortical lesions

Examples of subcortical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the largest study of its kind, the scientists looked at the subcortical brain volume of the brainstem, caudate nucleus, putamen, hippocampus, globus pallidus, thalamus, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and the ventral diencephalon. —New Atlas, 25 Oct. 2024

Even ancient reward systems in a subcortical area called the striatum, a hub of activity for the brain-signaling molecule dopamine, appear to have been reshaped in human brain evolution. —Chet C. Sherwood, Scientific American, 1 Sep. 2018

In subcortical areas, there also appears to be a supercluster of cells called splatter neurons that control innate behaviors and physiological functions. —Popular Science, 12 Oct. 2023

For von Economo, these clinicopathologic findings confirmed the existence of a subcortical sleep-regulating center. —Neuroskeptic, Discover Magazine, 15 Apr. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1899, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

subcortical

adjective

sub·​cor·​ti·​cal -ˈkȯrt-i-kəl 

: of, relating to, involving, or being nerve centers below the cerebral cortex

subcortical lesions

subcortical sensation

subcortically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb