The word "Calcarine" is spelled with three syllables: [kal-kuh-rahyn]. The first syllable is pronounced with a "k" sound, followed by an "a" sound that is pronounced like the "a" in "cat". The second syllable is pronounced with a short "uh" sound, and the third syllable has a long "i" sound and a "n" sound. This word is often used in the medical field, referring to the calcarine sulcus in the brain, which is responsible for processing visual information.
Calcarine refers to the term calcarine sulcus, which is a prominent anatomical feature of the brain located in the occipital lobe. The calcarine sulcus is a deep groove that runs horizontally across the medial surface of the brain and divides the occipital lobe into two main parts: the cuneus and the lingual gyrus.
The calcarine sulcus is of particular importance in the field of neuroscience as it serves as a landmark for understanding the organization and function of the primary visual cortex. This region of the brain, also known as V1 or the striate cortex, is responsible for the initial processing and perception of visual information.
Within the calcarine sulcus, there is a topographic organization known as retinotopy, meaning the representation of the visual field is systematically mapped onto the primary visual cortex. This results in a "mapping" of the visual field onto the surface of the calcarine sulcus, with the upper visual field represented on the lower bank, and the lower visual field represented on the upper bank.
The calcarine sulcus is named after the Latin word "calcar" meaning spur or spur-like, due to its resemblance to the shape of a spur found on the back of a rooster's leg. Understanding the anatomy and function of the calcarine sulcus is crucial for studies involving visual perception, processing, and the impact of visual impairments on the brain.
Relating to the calcar; spur-shaped.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "calcarine" is derived from the Latin term "calcar" meaning "spur" or "sting" and the suffix "-ine", which indicates a relationship or association with something. In anatomical terms, the "calcarine" refers to the calcarine fissure, which is a prominent sulcus or groove on the inner surface of the occipital lobe of the brain. The name was given due to its resemblance to a spur or spur-like projection.