Neuroanatomy · Nervous System · Hard
Suprachiasmatic
Meaning: Describing the tiny hypothalamic nucleus above the optic crossing that acts as the body's master circadian clock.
In practice: Light entering the eyes resets the suprachiasmatic nucleus each morning.
Word parts
- supra- means above
Many medical words are built from Greek and Latin parts like these, so learning a few helps you work out new terms.
Quick check
Two questions on related neuroanatomy words.
Which word means: Region of bone and deep tissue supplied by a single spinal nerve segment.
Answer: Sclerotome
Which word means: A tent-like fold of dura mater separating the cerebellum from the occipital lobes above it.
Answer: Tentorium
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