How Do You Spell FOUNTAIN DECUSSATION?

1. Fountain decussation refers to a specialized anatomical structure found in the nervous system, specifically in the medulla oblongata region of the brainstem. The term "fountain" describes the arrangement of nerve fibers that cross over or decussate to the opposite side of the brainstem, resembling the shape of a water fountain. This decussation occurs at the level of the fourth ventricle, which is a fluid-filled cavity in the medulla oblongata.

   The fountain decussation is an essential component of the central nervous system pathway, as it allows the nerves from one side of the body to connect with the corresponding side of the brain. It serves as a pivotal point for the transmission of sensory and motor information between the brain and the body.

   The crossing over of nerve fibers at the fountain decussation occurs because the right side of the medulla oblongata contains nerve tracts that are responsible for controlling the left side of the body, while the left side of the medulla oblongata contains nerve tracts controlling the right side of the body. This contralateral (opposite side) organization ensures that the brain receives and processes information from one side of the body and controls movements on the opposite side.

   Overall, the fountain decussation is a critical anatomical structure in the central nervous system, playing a crucial role in the transmission and coordination of sensory and motor signals between the brain and the body.

2. Decussatio fontinalis.

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

Common Misspellings for FOUNTAIN DECUSSATION

The word "fountain decussation" is a combination of two terms: "fountain" and "decussation".

1. Fountain: The term "fountain" in this context refers to the growing and branching appearance of nerve fibers as they come together at a certain point. It is derived from the Latin word "fontana", meaning "a spring" or "fountain".

2. Decussation: "Decussation" refers to the crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the body to the other. It comes from the Latin word "decussare", meaning "to intersect" or "to form an X shape", derived from "decussis", which means "ten" and refers to the Roman numeral "X".

When combined, "fountain decussation" describes the point at which nerve fibers intersect or cross over each other, resembling the branching pattern of a fountain.