claustrum

noun

claus·​trum ˈklȯ-strəm  ˈklau̇- 

plural claustra ˈklȯ-strə 

ˈklau̇-

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that consists of a thin lamina of gray matter separated from the lenticular nucleus by a layer of white matter

Examples of claustrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The claustrum is unlikely to be the seat of consciousness. —Michael W. Clune, Harper’s Magazine , 10 Apr. 2023

Cognitive neuroscientist Frederick Barrett and colleagues at the Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research recently examined how psilocybin affects neural activity in the claustrum. —Iris Kulbatski, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2020

Regarding the role of the claustrum, Barrett adds that its function during musical experiences has not yet been studied. —Iris Kulbatski, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2020

The claustrum is one of multiple brain regions that is rich in serotonin 2A receptors and organizes brain activity. —Iris Kulbatski, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2020

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, bar

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

claustrum

noun

claus·​trum ˈklȯ-strəm  ˈklau̇- 

plural claustra -strə 

: the one of the four basal ganglia in each cerebral hemisphere that consists of a thin lamina of gray matter between the lentiform nucleus and the insula