putamen
/pjuːˈteɪmən/
Definition
A structure located in the center of the brain that plays a critical role in cognitive functions, including motor control, learning, and memory.
Etymology
The word comes directly from the Latin 'putamen', meaning 'a shell, husk, or paring'. It was adopted into anatomical terminology to describe this specific brain structure because of its shell-like appearance surrounding other deep-seated brain components.
In the news
In this article, researchers noted that gifted children often exhibit higher white matter connectivity between the putamen and other brain regions, suggesting a biological basis for their enhanced cognitive processing. This anatomical difference is one of several clues scientists are investigating to understand what makes gifted minds unique.
We’re finally learning what happens to gifted children in adulthood
Read the full article ↗New Scientist