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Glite Dictionary
superior colliculus

superior colliculus

9.9
A part of the brain that helps process what you see and control quick eye movements
  • noun
  • /suːˈpɪəriər kəˈlɪkjʊləs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : colículo superior
  • Then the techtospinal tract from the deep layers of the superior colliculus or optic TEC.

Aren't the X&Y; cells projecting to the superior colliculus?

Examples

  • It's been done also in these animals with very large superior colliculus, tree shoe and frog.

  • 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)

  • The superior colliculus is crucial for coordinating visual reflexes in response to moving objects.

  • Research shows that the superior colliculus plays a vital role in processing visual information from the eyes.

  • In many mammals, the superior colliculus helps integrate sensory signals to guide eye movements.

Surface Forms

superior colliculus singular
superior colliculi plural

Morphology

superior + colliculus

The term composes 'superior' (upper) with 'colliculus' (a small rounded midbrain structure), so the basic meaning—the upper of the paired midbrain colliculi—is directly inferable from the parts. Although it is technical, the composition is transparent and mirrors equivalent Latin‑based anatomical terms in many languages, so a learner who knows both constituent meanings can grasp the MWE's core referent.

Etymology

Superior colliculus comes from Latin words: superior meaning 'upper' and colliculus meaning 'little hill', so the name paints a picture of a small bump on the top of the brain. This 'upper little hill' collects visual signals and helps the eyes move fast, which is why it is a key 'visual center'.