Decussation (Noun)
Meaning
An intersection or crossing of two tracts in the form of the letter X.
Classification
Nouns denoting body parts.
Examples
- The optic nerves cross over each other at the optic chiasm, a decussation of nerve fibers that allows for the integration of visual information from each eye.
- The pyramids of the medulla oblongata contain a decussation of nerve fibers that relay motor signals to the opposite side of the body.
- In the brainstem, the lemnisci form a decussation with other nerve fibers to convey sensory information to higher centers.
- A decussation of nerve tracts in the spinal cord allows for the contralateral control of voluntary movements.
- The internal capsule is a region of white matter where a decussation of nerve fibers connects the cerebral cortex with other parts of the brain and spinal cord.