How Do You Spell SENSORY DECUSSATION?

1. Sensory decussation, also known as the decussation of sensory fibers, refers to a critical anatomical process that occurs within the central nervous system (CNS). It involves the crossing over of sensory nerve fibers from one side of the body to the opposite side of the brain. Specifically, it takes place at the level of the medulla oblongata, which is the lower part of the brainstem.

   During sensory decussation, sensory information received from the body's periphery by sensory neurons is transmitted to the CNS and travels up the spinal cord. When these sensory fibers reach the medulla oblongata, they undergo a cross-over, switching sides of the brain. As a result, the sensory input received from the left side of the body is directed to the right side of the brain, and vice versa.

   The purpose of sensory decussation is to facilitate the brain's processing and interpretation of sensory stimuli. By crossing over at the medulla oblongata, it allows sensory information from each side of the body to be analyzed and processed by the contralateral hemisphere of the brain. This crossed organization enhances the brain's ability to integrate and interpret sensory signals accurately, enabling precise coordination and response to various sensory stimuli.

   Understanding sensory decussation is crucial in the field of neuroscience and neurology as it provides insights into the organization and function of the sensory pathways within the CNS. Its significance lies in its role in sensory perception, motor control, and the overall functioning of the nervous system.

2. Decussatio lemniscorum.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for SENSORY DECUSSATION

The term "sensory decussation" can be broken down into two parts: "sensory" and "decussation".

1. "Sensory" is derived from the Latin word "sensus", meaning "feeling" or "sense". It is related to the verb "sentire", which means "to feel" or "to perceive".

2. "Decussation" comes from the Latin word "decussare", which means "to cross" or "to intersect". It is derived from the noun "decussis", meaning a "ten" or the Roman numeral "X", which was represented by the crossing of two lines.

Therefore, "sensory decussation" refers to the crossing or intersection of sensory pathways in the nervous system. It is the point where sensory fibers from one side of the body cross over to the opposite side of the brain or spinal cord.