How Do You Spell CAPSULA EXTERNA?

1. Capsula externa is a term used in anatomy and neurology to describe a structure located within the brain. Specifically, it refers to a band of white matter fibers that surrounds and separates the basal ganglia from the cerebral cortex. The term "capsula externa" translates from Latin as "external capsule," which accurately depicts its positioning relative to the brain structures.

   The capsula externa is situated laterally in the brain and lies between the basal ganglia, which are deep brain structures involved in motor control and movement regulation, and the cerebral cortex, the outer layer responsible for higher cognitive functions. It acts as a protective sheath around the basal ganglia, helping to maintain the structural integrity of these important brain regions.

   Functionally, the capsula externa serves as a conduit for communication between the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia. It contains numerous white matter tracts that carry information in the form of nerve impulses between these regions. These tracts primarily include association fibers, which facilitate connections within the same hemisphere of the brain, as well as projection fibers, which enable communication between different regions of the brain.

   Overall, the capsula externa plays a crucial role in the coordination and integration of motor and cognitive functions, ensuring their proper communication and execution within the brain. Its structure and function have been of significant interest to neuroscientists and clinicians, as disruptions or damage to the capsula externa can have profound effects on motor control, movement disorders, and cognitive impairments.

2. External capsule, a thin lamina of white substance separating the claustrum from the putamen or lateral portion of the lenticular nucleus; it joins the internal capsule at either extremity of the putamen, forming a capsule of white matter of the lenticular nucleus.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for CAPSULA EXTERNA

The word "capsula externa" is derived from Latin.

The term "capsula" comes from the Latin word "capsum", which means a small container or box. It is related to the verb "capere", meaning "to take" or "to seize". In anatomy, "capsula" refers to a capsule-like structure, often in reference to protective coverings or enclosures around organs or tissues.

The word "externa" is also from Latin and is the feminine form of the adjective "externus", meaning "external" or "outer". It is derived from the Latin word "exter", which means "outward" or "outside".

Therefore, "capsula externa" combines "capsula" (meaning a capsule or protective covering) with "externa" (meaning external or outer), to describe the external capsule, which is a structure in the brain.

Plural form of CAPSULA EXTERNA is CAPSULAS EXTERNA