Abstract
The superior colliculus is a laminated structure on the roof of the midbrain. In fish, amphibians, and reptiles, the superior colliculus is the center for analysis of visual information and sensorimotor integration. In higher mammals, as a result of the elaboration of the geniculocortical system, much of this analysis has been relegated to visual cortex, the volume of which far exceeds that of the colliculus. In the rhesus monkey, whose superior colliculus has been extensively studied, this ovoid structure is about the size of a pea, measuring approximately 6 mm in diameter and 2–3 mm in thickness.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Further reading
Schiller PH (1984): The superior colliculus and visual function. In: Handbook of Physiology, Vol 3, part 1. Darian-Smith I, ed. Bethesda: American Physiological Society
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 1988 Springer Science+Business Media New York
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
Schiller, P.H. (1988). Colliculus, Superior. In: Sensory System I. Readings from the Encyclopedia of Neuroscience . Birkhäuser, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6647-6_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-6647-6_6
Publisher Name: Birkhäuser, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4899-6649-0
Online ISBN: 978-1-4899-6647-6
eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive