Preoccipital notch

Preoccipital Notch is a anatomical landmark found on the human skull. It is located on the inferolateral aspect of the occipital lobe, marking the boundary between the temporal lobe and the occipital lobe.

Etymology

The term "preoccipital" is derived from the Latin words "prae" meaning "before" and "occipital" referring to the occipital bone in the skull. The term "notch" is derived from the Old English "noc" meaning "a notch, a hollow or a deep cut".

Anatomy

The preoccipital notch is located on the inferolateral aspect of the occipital lobe, marking the boundary between the temporal lobe and the occipital lobe. It is a significant landmark in neuroanatomy as it helps in identifying the parieto-occipital sulcus on the medial surface of the brain.

Clinical Significance

The preoccipital notch is used as a landmark in neurosurgery, particularly in procedures involving the occipital lobe. It is also used in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as epilepsy and brain tumors.

Related Terms

• Occipital Lobe: The part of the brain located at the back of the head, responsible for visual processing.
• Temporal Lobe: The part of the brain located on the sides of the head, responsible for auditory processing and memory.
• Parieto-Occipital Sulcus: A deep groove in the brain that separates the parietal and occipital lobes.

See Also

• Human Brain
• Neuroanatomy
• Neurosurgery

Preoccipital_notch

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  Lateral view of the human brain
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  Animation showing the preoccipital notch