PsychologyJuly 17, 2026
putamen
pyoo-TAY-muhn
Definition
A round, subcortical structure located at the base of the forebrain that plays a key role in regulating movement and various types of learning.
Etymology
The word comes directly from the Latin 'putamen', meaning 'shell' or 'husks', referring to its anatomical appearance as a dark-colored outer layer of the lentiform nucleus within the brain.
In the news
The putamen is listed as one of the specific subcortical structures measured by researchers to determine if early life temperature exposure impacts brain development. It serves as a vital focal point for analyzing the structural effects of environmental factors on the developing brain.
Exposure to high temperatures during pregnancy is linked to slower thalamic growth in children
Read the full article ↗PsyPost