HealthAugust 13, 2026

tectum

TEK-tum

Definition

A major part of the midbrain that serves as a primary visual processing center in vertebrates like zebrafish.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'tectum,' meaning 'roof' or 'ceiling,' reflecting its anatomical position in the dorsal part of the midbrain.

In the news

The article uses 'tectum' to identify the brain region where orientation-selective information from the retina is sent and processed, influencing the fish's visual behavior.

Early experience reshapes zebrafish retinal cells, alters behavior

Read the full article ↗

The Transmitter

Related words

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.