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Neocortex

Meaning

The Neocortex, also known as the isocortex, is the outermost, six-layered sheet of neural tissue that constitutes the largest part of the human cerebral cortex. This highly evolved structure is the biological substrate for higher-order brain functions, including sensory perception, conscious thought, executive function, spatial reasoning, and complex language. It is the seat of self-awareness and the capacity for abstract planning, distinguishing the human brain from that of other mammals. The neocortex is crucial for translating complex emotional and cognitive inputs into modulated hormonal responses.