Calcar avis

Calcar avis is a small bony structure found in the human brain. It is also known as the bird's spur. The calcar avis is located in the medial part of the occipital lobe, specifically in the cerebral hemispheres. It is visible in the coronal plane of the brain, and is formed by the backward and inward folding of the occipital lobe.

Anatomy

The calcar avis is a prominent bulge that is visible in the posterior horn of the lateral ventricle. It is caused by the calcarine sulcus, a deep fissure in the occipital lobe. The calcar avis is located above the hippocampus and below the splenium of the corpus callosum.

Function

The calcar avis is associated with the processing of visual information. It is located near the primary visual cortex, which is responsible for processing visual stimuli. The calcar avis is thought to play a role in the perception of visual stimuli, although its exact function is not fully understood.

Clinical significance

The absence or deformation of the calcar avis can be an indicator of certain neurological conditions. For example, it is often absent in cases of schizencephaly, a rare developmental disorder characterized by abnormal slits or clefts in the cerebral hemispheres. The presence and shape of the calcar avis can also be used to identify and differentiate between certain types of brain malformations.

See also

• Brain
• Occipital lobe
• Cerebral hemisphere
• Lateral ventricle