How Do You Spell TAPETUM?

Pronunciation: [tˈapɛtəm] (IPA)

The word "Tapetum" refers to the iridescent layer present in the eye of some animals, which aids in night vision. This word is spelled as /təˈpiːtəm/ in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "tə", is pronounced with a schwa sound, followed by "piː", which is long "e" sound. The final syllable, "təm", is pronounced with a schwa sound followed by "təm". Understanding the IPA helps to decipher the correct pronunciation and spelling of words like Tapetum.

TAPETUM Meaning and Definition

1. Tapetum is a specialized layer of tissue found in the eyes of certain organisms, most commonly in vertebrates such as mammals, reptiles, and fish. It is located behind the retina, the light-sensitive region of the eye, and serves an important role in enhancing vision.

   The tapetum contains reflective pigments or cells that help in maximizing the available light for vision. It acts as a mirror, reflecting light that has passed through the retina, back onto the photoreceptor cells, thereby increasing the efficiency of light capture and improving visual sensitivity, especially in low-light conditions. This phenomenon is known as eyeshine and is particularly noticeable in certain night-active animals, where a vivid green or yellowish reflection can be observed in their eyes when light is shone upon them.

   The tapetum not only improves the visual acuity of the organisms possessing it but also contributes to their ability to see in color. This is due to the fact that the reflective pigments or cells can contain various pigments that help the eyes differentiate between different wavelengths of light.

   In summary, the tapetum is a specialized tissue found in the eyes of certain organisms, characterized by its reflective pigments or cells. It plays a crucial role in enhancing vision by reflecting light back onto the retina, improving visual sensitivity, and aiding in color vision.

2. 1. Membrana versicolor of Fielding, a stratum formed by the commissural fibers of the body and upper part of the splenium of the corpus callosum, bending round the lateral ventricle. 2. In botany a cell, or layer of cells, surrounding the archesporium, and becoming absorbed as the spores develop.

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

Etymology of TAPETUM

The word "tapetum" is derived from Latin. It comes from the noun "tapētum", which means a carpet or covering. In Latin, "tapētum" was used to refer to a cloth or carpet that covered a couch or bed. The term was later adopted in biology to describe a layer of cells in the eyes of certain animals, such as cats and dogs, which helps to enhance their night vision.

Plural form of TAPETUM is TAPETA