TRAPEZOID BODY Meaning and
Definition
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Trapezoid body refers to a specific anatomical structure found within the human brain, particularly in the midbrain region. It is often associated with the auditory system, as it serves as a relay station for auditory information.
The trapezoid body is located in the ventral portion of the brainstem, specifically in the pons. It is characterized by its distinctive shape, resembling an elongated trapezoid, hence its name. This structure is formed by the crossing fibers of the auditory pathway, where axons from the cochlear nuclei decussate, or cross over, to the opposite side of the brainstem.
The main function of the trapezoid body is to facilitate the localization of sound. It accomplishes this by processing auditory signals received from both ears and conveying them to higher auditory centers in the brain. Through the crossing over of auditory fibers, this structure helps enable the brain to compute the differences in arrival time and intensity of sound between the ears, which aids in sound localization.
Furthermore, the trapezoid body is connected to various other auditory nuclei and centers, such as the superior olivary complex and the lateral lemniscus, ensuring a complex and integrated processing of auditory information. It also plays a role in regulating the startle reflex.
Overall, the trapezoid body is a crucial anatomical structure involved in the transmission and integration of auditory signals, contributing to sound localization and auditory processing in the human brain.
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(1) Arbor vitae of the cerebellum; (2) trapezium (3).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for TRAPEZOID BODY
- rrapezoid body
- frapezoid body
- grapezoid body
- yrapezoid body
- 6rapezoid body
- 5rapezoid body
- teapezoid body
- tdapezoid body
- tfapezoid body
- ttapezoid body
- t5apezoid body
- t4apezoid body
- trzpezoid body
- trspezoid body
- trwpezoid body
- trqpezoid body
- traoezoid body
- tralezoid body
- tra-ezoid body
- tra0ezoid body
Etymology of TRAPEZOID BODY
The word "trapezoid body" in anatomy does not have a direct etymology, as it is composed of two separate terms: "trapezoid" and "body".
- "Trapezoid" is derived from the Late Latin word "trapezium", which originally referred to a geometrical figure with four sides, where no sides are parallel. It comes from the Greek word "trapezion", meaning "irregular quadrilateral", which is derived from "trapeza", meaning "table", as the shape resembles a table.
- "Body" comes from the Old English word "bodig", meaning "trunk" or "torso", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "budagaz".
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