Quadrigeminal body

Quadrigeminal body is a term used in neuroanatomy to refer to the superior colliculus and inferior colliculus, collectively known as the corpora quadrigemina. These structures are part of the midbrain, an area of the brain that plays a crucial role in motor control, auditory and visual processing, and wakefulness.

Structure

The quadrigeminal body consists of two pairs of rounded eminences, the superior and inferior colliculi. The superior colliculi are involved in preliminary visual processing and control of eye movements. The inferior colliculi are part of the auditory pathway and are involved in the subconscious processing of auditory stimuli.

Function

The quadrigeminal body plays a significant role in sensory processing. The superior colliculi are involved in visual reflexes, such as the coordination of eye and head movements to track moving objects. The inferior colliculi, on the other hand, process auditory information and are involved in reflexive reactions to sound.

Clinical significance

Damage to the quadrigeminal body can result in a variety of neurological disorders. For instance, lesions in the superior colliculi can lead to Parinaud's syndrome, a condition characterized by an inability to move the eyes upward. Similarly, damage to the inferior colliculi can result in auditory processing disorders.

See also

• Midbrain
• Superior colliculus
• Inferior colliculus
• Parinaud's syndrome