PEDUNCULUS CEREBRI Meaning and
Definition
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Pedunculus cerebri, also known as cerebral peduncle, refers to a bundle of nerve fibers located in the brainstem that serve as a connection between the midbrain and the rest of the brain. Specifically, it is part of the brain structure called the mesencephalon, or midbrain.
The pedunculus cerebri consists of three main parts: the crus cerebri, the tegmentum, and the substantia nigra. The crus cerebri, or cerebral crus, is the largest component and contains motor fibers responsible for voluntary movement. The tegmentum is a region that lies ventral to the cerebral aqueduct and contains various structures involved in sensory and motor processing. The substantia nigra, located within the tegmentum, is responsible for producing dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for motor control and coordination.
The primary function of the pedunculus cerebri is to transmit information between different parts of the brain. It carries motor signals from the cerebral cortex to the lower parts of the CNS, such as the brainstem and spinal cord, enabling the execution of voluntary muscle movements. Additionally, it serves as a pathway for sensory information traveling from lower brain regions to the cortex, contributing to the processing and perception of sensory stimuli.
Damage or abnormalities in the pedunculus cerebri can result in various neurological disorders, including movement disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, as well as issues with motor coordination and sensory processing.
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Cerebral peduncle, crus cerebri, a large white bundle emerging, in close relation with its fellow, from the upper part of the pons and passing outward and forward to enter the cerebrum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PEDUNCULUS CEREBRI
Etymology of PEDUNCULUS CEREBRI
The word "pedunculus cerebri" is derived from Latin. Here is the breakdown of its etymology:
1. Pedunculus: In Latin, "pedunculus" means "stalk" or "little foot". It is the diminutive form of "pes" which means "foot". In the context of the brain, the term refers to a stalk-like structure that connects different parts of the brain.
2. Cerebri: Again, in Latin, "cerebri" is the genitive form of "cerebrum", which means "brain". The genitive case is used to indicate possession or connection. In this case, it signifies that the pedunculus is related to or connected to the brain.
So, when combined, "pedunculus cerebri" literally translates to "stalk of the brain".
