subcortical

/sʌbˈkɔrtɪkəl/
adjective
  1. Located beneath the cerebral cortex of the brain.
    • Subcortical structures like the thalamus play a key role in relaying sensory information.
    • The MRI scan revealed a small subcortical lesion.
    • Damage to subcortical areas can affect movement and memory.
  2. Relating to processes or functions that occur below the level of conscious thought.
    • The therapist explained that certain fears are subcortical and not controlled by rational thinking.
    • Some emotional responses are subcortical, happening before we are even aware of them.
    • Subcortical learning happens without our direct attention, like picking up a habit.
Antonyms
What does "subcortical" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean