entorhinal cortex
Pronunciation: en-to-RHY-nal
Also written as: EC — entorhinal cortex
Brain region serving as the main interface between the hippocampus and neocortex for memory processing.
Full Definition
The entorhinal cortex is a critical brain region located in the medial temporal lobe that serves as the primary gateway for information flow between the hippocampus and neocortical areas. This region contains grid cells, border cells, and other spatially tuned neurons that contribute to spatial navigation and episodic memory formation. The entorhinal cortex receives inputs from multiple sensory and association areas and projects to the hippocampus via the perforant path. It is one of the earliest regions affected in Alzheimer's disease, leading to characteristic memory deficits.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as EC; distinguish from adjacent cortical regions in the medial temporal lobe.
In Context
- "Tau pathology in the entorhinal cortex preceded hippocampal involvement in early Alzheimer's disease." — Neuropathology report
- "Grid cell recordings from the entorhinal cortex revealed hexagonal firing patterns during spatial exploration." — Spatial navigation study