ScienceAugust 26, 2026

corticostriatal

KOR-ti-ko-STRY-uh-tl

Definition

Relating to the anatomical and functional connections between the cerebral cortex and the striatum, which are brain regions critical for motor control and habitual behavior.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'cortex' (bark or outer layer) and 'striatum' (a striped structure in the brain), combined with the suffix '-al' to form an adjective indicating connection between these two areas.

In the news

The article uses this term to describe the wider brain system that governs habitual actions, highlighting that habits are not stored in just one spot but emerge from this interconnected network.

MIT neuroscientists silenced a tiny region of rats’ prefrontal cortex for just seconds, and an ingrained habit stopped controlling their behaviour almost immediately. But the habit had not vanished—it remained hidden and later returned, suggesting this region ac

Read the full article ↗

ScienceBlog.com

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