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- Glossary
Cingulate gyrus
The cingulate gyrus is an important part of the limbic system in the cerebrum. This strip of cortex runs medially in the cerebrum, directly above the corpus callosum. Among other things, it is involved in emotions and memory. Through its connections to limbic and autonomic centers, it can also influence autonomic responses (e.g., heart rate, blood pressure). The anterior (front) region in particular is also associated with attention, motivation, error monitoring, and emotion regulation.
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- Glossary
Neocortex
The neocortex is the phylogenetically youngest part of the cerebral cortex. Since it is structured relatively uniformly in six layers, it is also referred to as the isocortex.
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- Glossary
Postcentral gyrus
The postcentral gyrus is the fold on the surface of the cerebrum located immediately behind the central sulcus. It contains the primary somatosensory cortex, where touch, pressure, temperature, and proprioceptive stimuli are processed.
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- Glossary
Lateral geniculate nucleus
The lateral geniculate nucleus is the section of the thalamus (the largest part of the diencephalon) where around 90% of the optic nerve axons terminate. It has a characteristic stratification into six cell layers. The nerve cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus send their projections to the visual cortex. Together with the medial geniculate nucleus, it forms the metathalamus.
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- Glossary
Acoustic radiation
The acoustic radiation is part of the auditory pathway, i.e., the areas of the brain involved in hearing. More specifically, it is the section located between the thalamus and the sensory cortex.
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- Glossary
Nucleus tractus solitarius
A nucleus in the medulla oblongata that serves as an important integration center for visceral information. Among other things, it processes taste stimuli (via nerves VII, IX, and X) and transmits them via the thalamus (ventral posteromedial nucleus, VPM) to the primary gustatory cortex. The NTS is also involved in the motor functions of swallowing, coughing, and respiratory control by transmitting signals to motor nuclei such as the nucleus ambiguus. These reflexes serve to protect the respiratory tract and facilitate food intake.
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- Glossary
Pyramidal pathway
The pyramidal pathway is a system of axons (long fiber-like extensions of nerve cells) that run from the motor cortex to the spinal cord. 80 percent of all fibers cross to the opposite side in the medulla oblongata. In the medulla, it runs past the pyramids, from which it gets its name. It is involved in fine and voluntary motor skills.
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- News
- Question to the brain
Why do we get Headaches?
The brain has no pain receptors. So why do we still get headaches?
14.10.2025
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- Basics
- Structure and Function
Connecting Nerves
Learning is as spiny path – as synapses vividly illustrate.
01.12.2020
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- Basics
- Communication of Cells
Cells: Specialized Workers of the Brain
Several billion tiny cells are located in the brain. There they perform amazing work.
01.07.2025
