The optic tectum is a major part of the midbrain of vertebrates. In vertebrates such as fish, reptiles and birds, it is the main visual processor of the brain.
In mammals, however, most of the work is done in the visual cortex. This is at the back of the cerebral cortex. The tectum does preliminary visual processing, and controls eye movement. When human anatomy textbooks use the term superior colliculus they are referring to the tectum. The diagram is based on human anatomy.
A: The optic tectum is a major part of the midbrain of vertebrates.
A: In fish, reptiles, and birds, the optic tectum is the main visual processor of the brain.
A: Most of the visual processing in mammals is done in the visual cortex, which is at the back of the cerebral cortex.
A: The tectum does preliminary visual processing.
A: The tectum controls eye movement.
A: When human anatomy textbooks use the term superior colliculus they are referring to the tectum.
A: Yes, the diagram mentioned in the text is based on human anatomy.