Corpora quadrigemina is a Latin term that refers to the four rounded elevations on the dorsal surface of the midbrain. The term is often misspelled due to its complexity, but it can be easily memorized by breaking it down phonetically. The word is pronounced as /kɔːpərə kwɑːdrɪˈdʒɛmɪnə/ in IPA transcription. The spelling of the word can be understood better by breaking it into its components: corpora means body or structure, while quadrigemina refers to four twins or pairs.
Corpora quadrigemina is a Latin term in anatomical sciences that refers to a group of four distinct structures located in the midbrain of vertebrates, particularly mammals. The word "corpora" means bodies, and "quadrigemina" is the plural form of "quadrigeminum," meaning a set of four. Hence, corpora quadrigemina literally translates to "four bodies."
The corpora quadrigemina are situated in the posterior portion of the midbrain, characterized by their distinctive shape and position. They appear as four rounded bulges or eminences on the dorsal surface of the brainstem. The corpora quadrigemina are further divided into two pairs of structures: the superior colliculi and the inferior colliculi.
The superior colliculi, also known as the upper or anterior colliculi, are responsible for visual processing. They receive and integrate visual inputs from the eyes, contributing to the coordination of eye movements and reflexive visual responses. The inferior colliculi, also referred to as the lower or posterior colliculi, are mainly involved in auditory processing. They receive auditory information from the ears and play a crucial role in sound localization, as well as the startle reflex response to sudden or loud noises.
Overall, corpora quadrigemina contributes to sensorimotor integration, facilitating the coordination and integration of visual and auditory stimuli with appropriate motor responses.
Quadrigeminal bodies, optic lobes, four rounded eminences forming the dorsal portion of the mesencephalon; together they constitute the lamina quadrigemina.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "corpora quadrigemina" is derived from Latin.
- "Corpora" translates to "bodies" in English, referring to the plural form of "corpus" meaning "body".
- "Quadrigemina" is the plural form of "quadrīgemīnus" in Latin, which means "fourfold" or "four pairs".
When combined, "corpora quadrigemina" literally means "fourfold bodies" or "four pairs of bodies". This term is used in anatomy to refer to the four rounded eminences found on the tectum of the midbrain.