Pretectal and accessory-optic visual nuclei of fish, amphibia and reptiles: theme and variations.
The organization of the accessory optic and pretectal circuits is surveyed in a variety of poikilotherms and the conclusion drawn that a common organizational pattern exists. This pattern consists of the presence of three optic pretectal nuclei located rostrocaudally in lateral-superficial, central and dorsomedial (or periventricular) positions. Furthermore, a well-defined basal optic tract and ventrolaterally placed terminal field at the level of the oculomotor nucleus appears to be a consistent feature among bony fish, amphibians and reptiles. The possible role of these circuits in in visuomotor behaviors is discussed.
D000344:Afferent Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D000663:Amphibians / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D000818:Animals; D001001:Anura / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D005075:Biological Evolution; D005399:Fishes / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D007798:Lampreys / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009474:Neurons / Q000502:physiology; D012104:Reptiles / Q000033:anatomy & histology*; D013045:Species Specificity; D013477:Superior Colliculi / Q000502:physiology; D014562:Caudata / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D014795:Visual Pathways / Q000033:anatomy & histology*