Decussation

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Decussation is used in biological contexts to describe a crossing.[1][2]

Examples include:

  • In the brain, where nerve fibers cross from one lateral part to the other.
  • In phyllotaxis when an opposite pattern of leaves has successive leaf pairs that are perpendicular, it is called decussate.

[edit] In the brain

Examples in the brain include:

Here, a decussation refers to the crossing of millions of axons. To achieve this, there needs to be a tight control in order to have as few errors as possible. The advantage of having such a complicated system may be to compensate for the 180 degree inversion in visual perception through the eye.[3] In addition, it may provide a more robust structure.[4]

[edit] References

  1. ^ decussatio at eMedicine Dictionary
  2. ^ c_63/12267439 at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
  3. ^ Decussation explanation Neurodudes
  4. ^ Why decussate? - Topological constraints on 3D wiring Troy Shinbrot* and Wise Young†Rutgers University
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