catalepsy

n. a state of sustained unresponsiveness in which a fixed body posture or physical attitude is maintained over a long period of time. It is seen in cases of catatonic schizophrenia, epilepsy, and other disorders. Also called catatonic rigidity; flexibilitas cerea; waxy flexibility. See also epidemic catalepsy. —cataleptic adj.

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Psychology term of the day

May 9th 2024

granular cortex

the portion of the cerebral cortex that contains granule cells, which are located in layers II and IV of the cortex (see cortical layers). The term refers particularly to primary sensory cortex, in which layer IV (the major input area) is very thick. Compare agranular cortex.