Nerve pathway · one in each half of the brain
Uncinate fasciculus
Also called UF, Fasciculus uncinatus
A hook-shaped cable linking memory and emotion to decision-making.
The uncinate fasciculus is a short, hook-shaped bundle. It links the front tip of the temporal lobe, including areas near the amygdala, with the underside of the frontal lobe. It is thought to help connect memories and feelings with decisions and social behavior.
Where it is
Deep under the lower front of the brain. It hooks from the tip of the temporal lobe, behind your temple, around a tight bend near the insula, and forward into the underside of the frontal lobe above the eyes.
What it does
Emotion meets judgment
It is thought to let emotional memories stored in the temporal lobe shape choices made in the frontal lobe.
Names and faces
It is thought to help link people's faces and names with what you know about them.
Learning from outcomes
It is thought to help you adjust your behavior based on past rewards and disappointments.
Think of it as a fish hook linking the brain's library of memories and feelings to the decision-maker's desk.
Works with
- Temporal poleIts back end hooks into this tip of the temporal lobe, thought to be a hub for knowledge about people and things.
- AmygdalaIt passes close to the amygdala, carrying emotional signals toward the frontal lobe.
- Lateral orbitofrontal cortexIts front end fans into this area above the eyes, which weighs choices and rewards.
- Medial orbitofrontal cortexIt also reaches this area, which helps judge the value of things and guide social behavior.
- Pars orbitalisSome fibers reach this lower part of the frontal language area, linking meaning and memory.
- Entorhinal cortexIt connects memory areas in the inner temporal lobe with the frontal lobe.
When it goes wrong
Mental health
Brain scans have found differences in this tract in some people with anxiety, depression, and antisocial behavior. Scientists are still working out what these differences mean.
Dementia
Studies suggest this tract is often damaged in some types of frontotemporal dementia, which can erode the meaning of words and change personality.
For learning only, not medical advice. If you have a health concern, talk to a doctor.
Surprising facts
- Removing part of it during brain surgery can cause lasting trouble putting names to faces.
Where the name comes from
From the Latin uncinatus, "hooked" (uncus means "hook"), after its sharp hook shape.
Learn it in a lesson
- Wiring and fluidWhite matter cables and the ventricles. A short guided lesson in 3D.
Quick quiz
3 questions. Your answers are saved and come back in your daily review.
Which of these is a job of the uncinate fasciculus?
Show the answer
Emotion meets judgment. It is thought to let emotional memories stored in the temporal lobe shape choices made in the frontal lobe.
Emotion meets judgment. It is thought to let emotional memories stored in the temporal lobe shape choices made in the frontal lobe.
The uncinate fasciculus is part of which larger structure?
Show the answer
White matter pathways. It belongs to the white matter pathways.
White matter pathways. It belongs to the white matter pathways.
Which part fits this description? "Like a fish hook linking the brain's library of memories and feelings to the decision-maker's desk."
Show the answer
Uncinate fasciculus. It is the uncinate fasciculus. A hook-shaped cable linking memory and emotion to decision-making.
Uncinate fasciculus. It is the uncinate fasciculus. A hook-shaped cable linking memory and emotion to decision-making.
These parts now come back in your daily review, just before you would forget them.
Practice it and its neighbors in 3DSources
- Uncinate fasciculus, Radiopaedia
- External capsule, Radiopaedia
- Uncus, Radiopaedia
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Explore the uncinate fasciculus in 3D
Turn it around, zoom inside and see how it connects to the rest of the brain, then test yourself with quick quizzes.
Open it in 3D