Pronunciation: [sˈake͡ɪdz] (IPA) 
The word "Saccades" is spelled with two Cs and one S. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /səˈkɑːdz/, where the first syllable is pronounced as "suh" and the second syllable as "kadz". A saccade refers to a rapid and abrupt eye movement that helps a person to focus on a new object or to shift their gaze from one point to another. It is commonly observed during reading, scanning, and when following a moving object.
Saccades refers to a term used in the field of neurophysiology and ophthalmology to describe quick, rapid, and involuntary movements of the eyes as they shift their gaze from one point to another. These movements are vital for clear vision and occur multiple times in a single second. Saccades are characterized by their rapid onset, reaching maximum velocity in a matter of milliseconds, and are followed by an equally quick deceleration as the eyes fixate on the new target.
These eye movements are controlled by the brain's superior colliculus, an area located in the midbrain, along with several interconnected neural structures. Saccades are essential for visual exploration, allowing humans and animals to scan their environment, focus on important visual details, and gather information about their surroundings.
During saccades, other eye movements, such as smooth pursuit movements or vergence movements, are temporarily inhibited. This suppression ensures that the eye precisely fixates on the desired target, reducing blurring and allowing the brain to process visual information effectively.
Researchers have extensively studied saccades to better understand their functions, mechanisms, and potential clinical implications. Saccadic eye movements have been investigated in studies related to attention, reading, cognitive processes, and neurological disorders. By examining the characteristics and abnormalities of saccades, experts can gain insights into various conditions like strabismus, Parkinson's disease, and certain forms of ataxia.
The word "saccades" has its roots in the French language. It comes from the Old French word "saccade", which means a "jerk" or "tug". The term was initially used in French weaponry to describe the sudden pull on a bowstring. Over time, the word's meaning expanded to describe any sudden, jerky movement. In the field of ophthalmology and neuroscience, "saccades" specifically refers to the rapid and involuntary movements of the eyes.
