Tectum

Tectum is a region of the brain, specifically in the midbrain, that plays a role in sensory processing. It is derived from the Latin word for "roof", which is fitting as the tectum forms the "roof" of the midbrain. The tectum is divided into two main parts: the superior colliculus and the inferior colliculus, both of which serve different functions in sensory processing.

Structure

The tectum is located in the dorsal part of the midbrain, posterior to the cerebral aqueduct. It is composed of four colliculi, with the two superior ones being involved in visual processing and the two inferior ones in auditory processing.

Superior colliculus

The superior colliculus is involved in preliminary visual processing and eye movements. It receives direct input from the retina and also from the cortex, basal ganglia, and spinal cord, which it uses to control the movements of the eyes and head.

Inferior colliculus

The inferior colliculus is involved in auditory processing. It receives input from several peripheral brainstem nuclei in the auditory pathway, as well as input from the auditory cortex.

Function

The tectum plays a key role in sensory processing, particularly for auditory and visual stimuli. The superior colliculus is involved in visual processing, including eye and head movements, while the inferior colliculus is involved in auditory processing.

Clinical significance

Damage to the tectum can result in a variety of sensory and motor deficits, including Parinaud's syndrome, which is characterized by an inability to move the eyes upward, and tectal syndrome, which is characterized by disturbances in eye movement and pupil dilation.

See also

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

References

Tectum Resources
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