How Do You Spell SUBSTANTIA COMPACTA?

Pronunciation: [səbstˈanʃə kəmpˈaktə] (IPA)

The term "substantia compacta" is commonly used in neuroscience and refers to a region of the brain known for producing dopamine. The IPA phonetic transcription for this complex term highlights the unique spelling that combines the Latin word "substantia" with the English word "compact." The transcription /sʌb'stænʃə kəmp'æktə/ shows the stress on the second syllable of "substantia" and emphasizes the "k" sound in "compacta." Proper spelling of scientific terms is crucial for clear communication and accurate understanding of complex concepts.

SUBSTANTIA COMPACTA Meaning and Definition

1. Substantia compacta refers to a specific region of the brain, found within the basal ganglia, which is a complex network of nuclei involved in various motor and cognitive functions. Within the substantia compacta, two principle groups of neurons can be identified: the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons and the noradrenergic neurons.

   The substantia compacta plays a vital role in the regulation and control of movement, as the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons are responsible for producing and releasing the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine is crucial for facilitating smooth and coordinated muscle movements as well as regulating motivation and reward-related behaviors. Dysfunction or degeneration of these neurons is associated with several movement disorders, most notably Parkinson's disease, which is characterized by the progressive impairment of motor control.

   Additionally, the noradrenergic neurons located in the substantia compacta are involved in modulating arousal, attention, and mood. They project to various areas in the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex, and release the neurotransmitter norepinephrine, which plays a key role in regulating alertness and cognitive functions.

   Overall, the substantia compacta is a highly specialized region within the basal ganglia that helps coordinate movement and regulate various cognitive processes. Its dysfunction can lead to motor and cognitive impairments, emphasizing its significance in the overall functioning of the brain.

2. The compact, non-cancellous portion of bone.

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

Common Misspellings for SUBSTANTIA COMPACTA

• aubstantia compacta
• zubstantia compacta
• xubstantia compacta
• dubstantia compacta
• eubstantia compacta
• wubstantia compacta
• sybstantia compacta
• shbstantia compacta
• sjbstantia compacta
• sibstantia compacta
• s8bstantia compacta
• s7bstantia compacta
• suvstantia compacta
• sunstantia compacta
• suhstantia compacta
• sugstantia compacta
• subatantia compacta
• subztantia compacta
• subxtantia compacta
• subdtantia compacta

Etymology of SUBSTANTIA COMPACTA

The word "substantia compacta" has Latin origin.

- "Substantia" comes from the Latin noun "substantia", meaning "substance" or "matter".

- "Compacta" is the feminine singular form of the Latin adjective "compactus", which means "close-knit" or "compact".

When combined, "substantia compacta" refers to a densely packed or close-knit substance. It is commonly used in the field of neuroanatomy to describe a region in the brain known as the substantia nigra pars compacta, which is characterized by densely packed dopamine-producing cells.