Neocorticale

Neocorticale refers to anything pertaining to the neocortex, the part of the cerebral cortex that is most developed in mammals and supports many of the brain’s higher functions. In humans, the neocortex comprises the majority of the cerebral cortex and underpins perception, cognition, language, planning, and voluntary movement. It is distinct from the older allocortex, which includes the archicortex and paleocortex.

Anatomy and lamination: The neocortex is typically organized into six horizontal layers, labeled I through VI. Its principal excitatory neurons are pyramidal cells, with a diverse population of inhibitory interneurons regulating activity. Layer 4 is the primary recipient of thalamic input in many sensory areas, while layers 2/3 mediate intracortical communication and layer 5 projects to subcortical structures. The cortex is further subdivided into functional areas and organized into columns that support local processing and integration across regions.

Functional organization: The neocortex contains primary sensory and motor regions as well as extensive association areas involved in complex processing such as object recognition, spatial reasoning, language, and executive functions. Its networks are highly interconnected, enabling integration of sensory information, memory, attention, and decision making. Plasticity allows heritable patterns to be refined by experience and learning.

Development and evolution: The neocortex arises from the dorsal pallium during mammalian development and undergoes a characteristic six-layer lamination. Its expansion and specialization are key features of mammalian brain evolution, with substantial growth and complexity seen in primates and humans.

Terminology: In Italian and other languages, neocorticale is used as an adjective describing properties, regions, or processes related to the neocortex, such as aree neocorticali or funzionamento neocorticale.