Tectum: A Review of Its Anatomy and Clinical Implications
Tectum is the Latin term used to refer to a portion of the brainstem. It is a part of the brain that is involved in many critical functions, such as motor coordination, vision, hearing, and speech. The tectum is composed of four parts: the superior colliculus, the inferior colliculus, the tectal plate, and the tectal commissure. This review will discuss the anatomy and clinical implications of the tectum.
Anatomy
The superior colliculus is located at the posterior aspect of the midbrain, and is composed of the superficial and deep layers. It is involved in visual reflexes and orienting behavior. The inferior colliculus is located at the posterior aspect of the midbrain. It is composed of the superior and inferior layers, and is involved in auditory reflexes and orientation. The tectal plate is a thin sheet of gray matter located between the superior and inferior colliculi. It is involved in visual and auditory reflexes and orienting behavior. Finally, the tectal commissure is a band of fibers connecting the two sides of the tectum.
Clinical Implications
Damage to the tectum can result in a variety of clinical deficits. A lesion to the superior colliculus may result in a gaze palsy, oculomotor apraxia, or strabismus. Lesions to the inferior colliculus can result in hearing deficits, such as tinnitus or hyperacusis. Damage to the tectal plate can result in deficits in visual and auditory reflexes. Finally, lesions to the tectal commissure may result in impaired coordination and balance.
Conclusion
The tectum is a critical component of the brainstem. It is composed of four parts: the superior colliculus, the inferior colliculus, the tectal plate, and the tectal commissure. Damage to the tectum can result in a variety of clinical deficits, including gaze palsy, oculomotor apraxia, strabismus, hearing deficits, and impaired coordination and balance.
References
Amini, A., & Hill, R. S. (2008). Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Color Text. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.
Barr, M., & Kiernan, J. (2013). Barr’s the Human Nervous System: An Anatomical Viewpoint. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.
Fitzgerald, M. J. T., & Rengachary, S. S. (2016). Neurosurgery: Principles and Practice. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier.