Posterior cingulate cortex

Posterior Cingulate Cortex

The Posterior Cingulate Cortex (PCC) (pronunciation: pos-teer-ee-or sin-gu-late kor-tex) is a part of the brain that plays a key role in various cognitive functions.

Etymology

The term "Posterior" is derived from Latin, meaning "back," while "Cingulate" comes from the Latin "cingulum," meaning "girdle." The term "Cortex" is derived from the Latin word for "bark" or "rind." Thus, the Posterior Cingulate Cortex can be understood as the 'back girdle bark,' referring to its location and structure in the brain.

Function

The PCC is involved in numerous brain functions, including memory consolidation, emotion processing, pain perception, and self-reflection. It is also implicated in diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and schizophrenia.

Anatomy

The PCC is located in the medial part of the brain, posterior to the anterior cingulate cortex and dorsal to the corpus callosum. It is part of the limbic system, a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involved in instinct and mood control.

Clinical Significance

Alterations in the PCC have been associated with several neurological and psychiatric disorders. For instance, in Alzheimer's disease, the PCC is one of the first regions to show atrophy. In schizophrenia, abnormal activity in the PCC has been linked to symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.

Related Terms

• Anterior Cingulate Cortex
• Cingulate Gyrus
• Limbic System
• Corpus Callosum

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Posterior cingulate cortex
• Wikipedia's article - Posterior cingulate cortex

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