Rostral colliculus
Colliculus rostralis
Definition
The rostral colliculus is a structure of the midbrain tectum composed of neurons arranged in superficial, intermediate, and deep layers. It receives visual afferents from the optic tract and visual cortex, as well as auditory and spinal afferents.
The brachium of the rostral colliculus connects this structure to visual afferents and enables the transmission of information necessary for reflexive orientation of the eyes and head.
In humans, the rostral colliculi are the same size as their caudal counterparts, whereas in domestic mammals the caudal colliculi are significantly larger. In ruminants, the rostral colliculi are slightly oblong and diverge caudally. In carnivores, they are spheroidal and very prominent.
References
Barone R, Bortolami R. Anatomie comparée des mammifères domestiques, Tome 6, Neurologie I, Vigot, Paris, 2004.
Evans HE, de Lahunta A. Miller’s anatomy of the dog, 4th edition, Elsevier Saunders, St Louis, 2012.
