Centrum ovale is a term used in anatomy to refer to a region in the brain. The spelling of this word is closely related to its pronunciation, as indicated by the use of IPA phonetic transcription. The first part "centrum" is pronounced /ˈsɛntrəm/, while "ovale" is pronounced /oʊˈveɪli/. The spelling of "centrum" comes from the Latin word meaning "center", while "ovale" is derived from the Latin word "ovum" meaning "egg-shaped". Together, these two words form the term that refers to an important area of the brain.
Centrum ovale refers to a specific anatomical structure located in the brain. Derived from Latin, "centrum" means "center" or "core," while "ovale" refers to an oval or elliptical shape. In the context of neuroanatomy, centrum ovale represents the central core or center region of white matter in the cerebral hemispheres.
The white matter of the brain consists primarily of myelinated axonal fibers, which form extensive connections between different regions of the cerebral cortex. It envelops the outer gray matter, providing a conduit for communication between various brain areas. The centrum ovale is situated deep within the cerebral hemispheres and lies beneath the outer layers of gray matter.
The term "centrum ovale" is used to describe the elliptical shape of the white matter in cross-section as it extends horizontally along the long axis of the brain. It is formed by the interlacing and diverging arrangement of fibers originating from the underlying white matter tracts, such as the corona radiata. These fibers extend from the deeper white matter structures towards the cerebral cortex, producing a characteristic fan-like appearance.
The centrum ovale plays a crucial role in facilitating communication and integration of information between different brain regions. It serves as a major pathway for long-range neural connections, supporting the transmission of sensory, motor, and associative signals. Disorders or lesions affecting the centrum ovale can lead to disruptions in brain connectivity and impair the efficient exchange of information, potentially resulting in cognitive, sensory, or motor deficits.
C. Semiovale.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "centrum ovale" has Latin origins.
The word "centrum" is derived from the Latin word "centrum", meaning "center" or "central part". It comes from the Greek word "kentron", which also means "center".
The word "ovale" is derived from the Latin word "ovalis", which means "oval-shaped". It comes from the Latin word "ovum", meaning "egg".
Therefore, "centrum ovale" can be translated as "oval center" or "central part that is oval-shaped". This term is specifically used in anatomy to refer to a region in the brain called the "oval center", which is related to the cerebral cortex.