Stratum lacunosum is a term used in neuroscience to refer to a specific layer of the cerebral cortex. This term consists of two Latin words – stratum, meaning layer, and lacunosum, meaning full of holes, reflecting the structure of this layer. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈstreɪtəm læ.kjuˈnoʊsəm/, with each letter representing a specific sound. Understanding the phonetic transcription helps in correctly spelling and pronouncing this term, which is crucial in the field of neuroscience.
Stratum lacunosum is a term used in neuroanatomy to describe a specific layer or region of the hippocampus, a vital structure located in the medial temporal lobe of the brain. The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation and spatial navigation.
The term "stratum" refers to a layer or sheet-like structure, while "lacunosum" derives from the Latin word meaning "full of holes" or "latticed." Therefore, stratum lacunosum can be understood as a layer with a porous or hole-filled appearance.
In the context of the hippocampus, the stratum lacunosum refers to the middle portion of the stratum moleculare, which is one of the layers comprising the cornu ammonis (CA fields) in the hippocampus proper. Specifically, it lies between the stratum oriens and the stratum moleculare.
The stratum lacunosum contains numerous small blood vessels and nerve fibers, including the perforant pathway, which is responsible for transmitting sensory information from the entorhinal cortex to the hippocampus. Additionally, it contains dendritic spines, which are small protrusions responsible for receiving synaptic input from other neurons.
Overall, the stratum lacunosum plays a critical role in integrating and transmitting sensory information, establishing connections between different regions of the brain, and contributing to the overall functionality of the hippocampus in learning and memory processes.
A cortical cell layer in the hippocampus.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "stratum lacunosum" is not a commonly used term in everyday language, but it refers to a specific part of the brain in neuroscience.
"Stratum" is a Latin word meaning "layer" or "level". It is often used in scientific and medical terminology to describe various anatomical layers or structures.
"Lacunosum" comes from the Latin word "lacunōsus", which means "full of holes" or "perforated". It is derived from the noun "lacūna", meaning "hole" or "pit".
When combined, "stratum lacunosum" refers to a specific layer within the hippocampus, a region of the brain associated with memory and spatial navigation. The term describes the perforated or hole-filled appearance of this layer.