How Do You Spell SEMIDECUSSATION?

Pronunciation: [sˌɛmɪdɪkəsˈe͡ɪʃən] (IPA)

The word "semidecussation" is pronounced /ˌsɛmɪdɪˌkʌseɪˈʃən/ and is spelled with a prefix "semi-" meaning "half" and "decussation" which refers to the crossing of two nerve fibers. In neuroscience, "semidecussation" refers to the partial crossing of nerve fibers in the optic chiasm, where half of the fibers from each eye cross over to the opposite hemisphere of the brain. It is important for vision as it allows both hemispheres to receive visual information from both eyes.

SEMIDECUSSATION Meaning and Definition

1. Semidecussation is a term used in neuroanatomy to describe the partial crossing or decussation of nerve fibers in the central nervous system. The prefix "semi-" signifies that the crossing is only partial, meaning that a portion of the nerve fibers cross from one side of the body to the opposite side, while the remaining fibers continue on the same side.

   This phenomenon of semidecussation is commonly observed in the visual system. In the optic chiasm, which is located at the base of the brain, a specific pattern of crossing and non-crossing of nerve fibers occurs. Fibers originating from the nasal (medial) portion of the retina cross over to the opposite side of the brain, while the fibers from the temporal (lateral) portion of the retina remain on the same side. This arrangement allows for both eyes to contribute to the visual field of each side of the brain.

   The semidecussation of optic fibers ensures that the visual information from both eyes is combined and processed in the appropriate regions of the brain. It enables binocular vision, depth perception, and the ability to see objects in three dimensions.

   Overall, semidecussation refers to the partial crossing of nerve fibers in the central nervous system, typically observed in the visual system. Its significance lies in allowing the integration of sensory information from both sides of the body or both eyes.

2. Incomplete decussation such as occurs in the optic chiasm.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SEMIDECUSSATION

• aemidecussation
• zemidecussation
• xemidecussation
• demidecussation
• eemidecussation
• wemidecussation
• swmidecussation
• ssmidecussation
• sdmidecussation
• srmidecussation
• s4midecussation
• s3midecussation
• senidecussation
• sekidecussation
• sejidecussation
• semudecussation
• semjdecussation
• semkdecussation
• semodecussation
• sem9decussation

Etymology of SEMIDECUSSATION

The word "semidecussation" is derived from Latin and consists of two parts: "semi-" and "decussation".

1. "Semi-": This prefix comes from the Latin word "semis", meaning "half". It indicates that something is "half" or "partially" related to the concept it is attached to.

2. "Decussation": This word has its roots in the Latin term "decussāre", which means "to intersect" or "to cross in the shape of the letter X". The Latin noun "decussis" refers to the numeral "10" or a "crossing". "Decussation" is used to describe the crossing or intersection of nerve fibers in the central nervous system.

Combining these two parts, "semidecussation" refers to a partial or incomplete crossing of nerve fibers, typically observed in the brain or spinal cord.