decussate adj : crossed or intersected in the form of an X [syn: intersectant, intersecting] v : cross or intersect so as to form a cross; "this nerve decussates the other"; "the fibers decussate"

English

Etymology

• From decussis, 10. (X).

Adjective

1. X-like.

Verb

1. To form an X or to cross or intersect.

Decussation is used in biological contexts to describe a crossing.

Examples include:

• In the brain, where nerve fibers cross from one lateral part to the other.
• In phyllotaxis when an opposite pattern of leaves has successive leaf pairs that are perpendicular, it is called decussate.

In the brain

Examples in the brain include:

• Decussation of the pyramids
• Ventral supraoptic decussation

Here, a decussation refers to the crossing of millions of axons. To achieve this, there needs to be a tight control in order to have as few errors as possible. The advantage of having such a complicated system may be to compensate for the 180 degree inversion in visual perception through the eye. In addition, it may provide a more robust structure.

References