Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
Lateral Geniculate Nucleus
The Lateral Geniculate Nucleus (pronounced: lat-er-al jen-ick-yoo-late new-klee-us) is a significant structure in the Visual System of the human body. It is a relay center in the Thalamus and is the primary processor of visual information, received from the Retina, to the Visual Cortex.
Etymology
The term "Lateral Geniculate Nucleus" is derived from Latin roots. "Lateral" refers to the side, "geniculate" means having a bent or kneed shape, and "nucleus" refers to a central part around which other parts are grouped.
Function
The Lateral Geniculate Nucleus is responsible for processing visual information. It receives signals from the Retina and sends them to the Visual Cortex, where they are interpreted as visual images.
Related Terms
- Visual System: The sensory system for vision.
- Thalamus: The large mass of gray matter in the dorsal part of the diencephalon of the brain with several functions such as relaying of sensory signals, including motor signals to the cerebral cortex, and the regulation of consciousness, sleep, and alertness.
- Retina: The light-sensitive layer of tissue at the back of the inner eye that translates light into nerve impulses.
- Visual Cortex: The part of the cerebral cortex responsible for processing visual information.
See Also
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