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Topic

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Superior colliculus

The superior colliculus is a paired, layered structure located on the dorsal aspect of the midbrain, forming a critical part of the tectal region. It plays a central role in visual processing, orientation, and reflexive eye movements. Its intricate connections with various sensory and motor pathways make it essential for coordinating head and eye responses to visual stimuli.

Synonyms

  • Colliculus superior

  • Superior quadrigeminal body

  • Tectal plate (superior part)

  • Lamina quadrigemina (superior half)

Arterial Supply

  • Primary supply: Branches of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), especially the quadrigeminal artery (also known as the collicular artery)

  • Additional supply: Branches from the superior cerebellar artery

Venous Drainage

  • Drained mainly by the internal cerebral veins

  • Some drainage into the basal vein of Rosenthal

  • Minor contribution to the great cerebral vein (vein of Galen)

Functions

  • Integrates visual, auditory, and somatosensory information for reflexive orientation of eyes and head

  • Controls saccadic eye movements (rapid eye shifts)

  • Coordinates visual attention and tracking

  • Participates in certain non-visual functions such as pain modulation and multi-sensory integration

MRI Appearance

  • T1-weighted: Isointense to slightly hypointense relative to adjacent midbrain structures; clear demarcation from the cerebral aqueduct

  • T2-weighted: Hyperintense compared to surrounding midbrain tissue; laminar structure may be visible in high-resolution scans

  • FLAIR: Isointense to mildly hyperintense; typically without abnormal signal unless pathology is present

CT Appearance

  • Appears as a small, symmetrical, soft tissue density posterior to the midbrain aqueduct, forming part of the tectal plate

  • Difficult to delineate in detail on CT without contrast; appears isodense to other brainstem structures

MRI images

Superior colliculus mri 3t axial image

MRI images

Superior colliculus mri 3t sagittal image