Related Experiment Videos
Intrinsic connectivity of human superior colliculus
Eric Tardif1, Brigitte Delacuisine, Alphonse Probst
1Division de Neuropsychologie, CHUV, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland. eric.tardif@unil.ch
Experimental Brain Research
|July 21, 2005
Summary
This study reveals intrinsic connections within the human superior colliculus (SC), including tangential connections in superficial layers and radial connections linking superficial to deep layers, crucial for sensorimotor integration.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The superior colliculus (SC) is vital for sensorimotor integration and orienting behaviors.
- Its layered structure (superficial visual, deep multisensory/premotor) and interlaminar connections have been debated, especially in humans.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate intrinsic connections within the human superior colliculus (SC).
- To examine superficial-to-deep layer connections in the human SC.
Main Methods:
- Utilized DiI and BDA tracers in post-mortem human brains.
- Injected tracers into the superficial layers of the SC.
- Examined intrinsic SC connections using microscopy.
Main Results:
- Identified tangential connections within superficial SC layers.
- Observed radial connections from superficial to deep SC layers.
- Found superficial-to-deep connections were prominent near injection sites, with axons traversing deep layers.
Conclusions:
- The human SC possesses intrinsic connections within superficial layers and radial connections linking superficial to deep layers.
- These connections likely play roles in visual receptive field organization and visuomotor/multisensory integration.