Search
-
- Glossary
Cochlea
The cochlea is the part of the inner ear that contains the organ of Corti, which is responsible for converting acoustic signals into nerve impulses.
-
- Glossary
Cochlear nuclei
These nuclei on the dorsolateral side of the brainstem are innervated by the auditory nerve and form a switching center for information from the auditory system. The efferent neurons of the cochlear nuclei transmit auditory information to downstream switching centers in the brainstem, such as the inferior colliculi.
-
- Glossary
Inferior colliculus
Two posterior elevations of the midbrain roof are referred to as the inferior colliculi. Together with the superior colliculi, they form the midbrain tectum. Impulses from various nuclei of the lower brain stem converge at the inferior colliculi. In addition, signals from the auditory cortex arrive here. This makes the inferior colliculi an important coordination center for auditory information.
-
- Glossary
Superior colliculus
The upper pair of hills of the four hills of the midbrain (tectum) are also referred to in the plural as colliculi superiores. They form a switching center in the optical system for reflex movements of the eyes and for pupil reflexes.
-
- Glossary
Ammon's horn
Part of the cerebrum, specifically the front end of the hippocampus. The Cornu Ammonis is divided into fields CA1 to CA4. It owes its name to its shape, which resembles the horn of an ammon sheep.
-
- Glossary
Mamillary bodies
Two structures of the posterior thalamus (largest part of the diencephalon). Due to their similarity to the female breast, they are also called mammillary bodies. They are located at the front end of the fornix and are attributed to the limbic system.
-
- Glossary
Corpus callosum
As the largest commissure (connection in the brain), the corpus callosum connects the two cerebral hemispheres. It consists of 200-250 million nerve fibers and serves to exchange information.
-
- Glossary
Lateral geniculate body
The lateral geniculate nucleus is the section of the thalamus (the largest part of the diencephalon) where around 90% of the optic nerve axons terminate. It has a characteristic stratification into six cell layers. The nerve cells of the lateral geniculate nucleus send their projections to the visual cortex. Together with the medial geniculate nucleus, it forms the metathalamus.
-
- Glossary
Medial geniculate body
The medial geniculate body (medial geniculate nucleus) is a nucleus of the thalamus (the largest part of the diencephalon). As the central switching point of the auditory pathway, it transmits impulses from the inferior colliculus to the auditory radiation. Together with the lateral geniculate body, it forms the metathalamus.
-
- Glossary
Cortex
Cortex refers to a collection of neurons, typically in the form of a thin surface. However, it usually refers to the cerebral cortex, the outermost layer of the cerebrum. It is 2.5 mm to 5 mm thick and rich in nerve cells. The cerebral cortex is heavily folded, comparable to a handkerchief in a cup. This creates numerous convolutions (gyri), fissures (fissurae), and sulci. Unfolded, the surface area of the cortex is approximately 1,800cm².
