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colliculus

colliculus

9.9
A small round part in the middle of the brain that helps process sight or sound
  • noun
  • /kəˈlɪkjələs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : colículo
  • The the rat and mouse spirit colliculus is just slightly smaller.

Examples

  • The M-cells project from the retina directly to the superior colliculus and indirectly via the lateral geniculate nucleus to the visual cortex.

    Academic text (1997)
  • (n3) Simmons et al. in 1964 observed that stimulation of the inferior colliculus "... failed to produce any auditory sensation whatsoever." 4

    Academic text (1998)
  • OK, well this is all superior colliculus down here too.

  • Cell loss of the cochlear nuclei, especially in the ventral nuclei, has also been observed in these patients, as have minor changes in the olive, the superior olivary complex, and the inferior colliculus.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The superior colliculus plays a crucial role in processing visual and auditory signals in the brain.

  • In mammals, the inferior colliculus is essential for coordinating sound localization.

  • Researchers study the functions of the colliculus to understand sensory integration in the midbrain.

Compounds

inferior colliculus
  • Specialized
9.1

A part of the brain that helps process and locate sounds

superior colliculus
  • Specialized
9.9

A part of the brain that helps process what you see and control quick eye movements

Surface Forms

colliculus singular
colliculi plural

Etymology

Colliculus comes from the Latin collis 'hill' with the little ending -culus 'little'. In the brain the name means a 'little hill', so it fits the small rounded mounds you see in the midbrain like the structures that help with sight and hearing.