superior colliculus
Visual orienting center
The superior colliculus is a paired structure in the midbrain that processes visual information and coordinates eye movements.
It integrates sensory input to direct gaze toward objects of interest—when you reflexively look toward a sudden movement in your peripheral vision, your superior colliculus is at work.
The plural is superior colliculi.
anatomy
Middle brain division
- brainstemLower neural trunk
- periaqueductal grayMidbrain gray matter region
- subcorticalUnder the outer brain
- brachiumArm above elbow
multisensory
How brains interpret images
- audiovisualPertaining to sound and image
- tactileOf the touching sense
- modalityParticular form or type
- enhancementIncrease in quality
saccades
Shifts in gaze direction
- fixationPersistent mental attachment
- pursuitAct of chasing something
- reaction timeSpeed of response
- latencyDelay in system response
orienting
Involuntary reaction to surprise
- defensive behaviorGuarding against perceived attack
- approachWay of handling something
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
- head turningDrawing involuntary attention
midbrain
Middle brain division
- brainstemLower neural trunk
- periaqueductal grayMidbrain gray matter region
- subcorticalUnder the outer brain
visual processing
How brains interpret images
- audiovisualPertaining to sound and image
- tactileOf the touching sense
- modalityParticular form or type
eye movements
Shifts in gaze direction
- fixationPersistent mental attachment
- pursuitAct of chasing something
- reaction timeSpeed of response
efferent
Conveying outward from center
- afferentConveying toward central point
startle response
Involuntary reaction to surprise
- defensive behaviorGuarding against perceived attack
- approachWay of handling something
- avoidanceDeliberate keeping away
head turning · freezing · escape · alerting · exogenous · bottom-up
- neuroanatomybrain, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, thalamus, hypothalamus
- brain regionscerebrum, frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe
- visual systemretina, optic nerve, visual cortex, photoreceptors, rods
- brainstembrainstem, brain stem, medulla, medulla oblongata, pons
- spatial hearinglateralization, spatial audio