Stratum dentatum is a layer of the cerebellum that is responsible for motor coordination and learning. The word "stratum dentatum" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈstreɪtəm dɛnˈteɪtəm/. The first syllable "stra" is pronounced with a long "a" sound, followed by "tum" with a short "u" sound. The second part of the word contains the Latin word "denta", meaning tooth, thus the phonetic transcription for "dentatum" includes a soft "d" sound and a long "a" vowel. This complex word might seem daunting, but it is fascinating how our brain is organized in different layers.
Stratum dentatum, commonly known as the dentate gyrus, is a distinct layer within the hippocampus, a region in the brain responsible for memory formation and learning processes. This layer is located within the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus and constitutes a critical component of the hippocampal formation.
The stratum dentatum is characterized by a unique histological structure, consisting of densely packed layers of small, granule-like cells. These cells are referred to as granule cells and are tightly arranged in a parallel fashion. The granule cells in the stratum dentatum receive inputs from the entorhinal cortex, which is the main gateway for sensory information into the hippocampus.
One important feature of the stratum dentatum is its high capacity for neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain's ability to form and reorganize synaptic connections. This plasticity plays a crucial role in memory formation and the integration of new experiences into existing knowledge.
The stratum dentatum is closely associated with the formation of spatial memory and navigation. It is believed to be involved in the encoding, storage, and retrieval of memories related to location and spatial relationships. Dysfunction in the stratum dentatum has been linked to various neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, and major depressive disorder.
In summary, the stratum dentatum or dentate gyrus is a specific layer within the hippocampus that plays a fundamental role in memory formation, learning, and spatial navigation.
Dentate layer, so called because of the fibrils or intercellular bridges of the cells of this layer; s. mucosum, s. germinativeum.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "stratum dentatum" has Latin origins.
- "Stratum" comes from the Latin word "strātum", which means "layer" or "bed".
- "Dentatum" is the neuter form of the Latin word "dentatus", which means "toothed" or "having teeth".
Thus, "Stratum dentatum" can be translated as "toothed layer" or "layer with teeth". This term is often used in anatomy to refer to specific layers or regions of the brain, such as the dentate gyrus in the hippocampus.