Definition

Relating to the connection between the retina and a part of the brain called the optic tectum, which is involved in visual processing.

Example

The retinotectal pathway is crucial for visual reflexes in many animals.

Conversation

I read an article about the retinotectal pathway in the brain.

Oh really? What’s that all about?

It’s about how visual information travels from the retina to the tectum.

That sounds interesting! I didn’t know there was a direct connection like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Retinotectal is formed from "retina" (from Latin *retina*, meaning net or network) and "tectal" (from Latin *tectum*, meaning roof). The term refers to the connection between the retina and the tectum, a part of the brain involved in visual processing.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'retina' as a 'network' of vision and 'tectal' as the 'roof' of the brain that processes this vision — together, they describe the pathway from the eye to the brain.

Visually Confused Words