Pretectal Area - Function

Function

As part of the subcortical visual system, neurons within the pretectal nuclei respond to varying intensities of illuminance and are primarily involved in mediating non-conscious behavioral responses to acute changes in light. These responses generally involve the initiation of optokinetic reflexes, although the pretectum can also regulate nociception and REM sleep.

Read more about this topic:  Pretectal Area

Famous quotes containing the word function:

    Literature does not exist in a vacuum. Writers as such have a definite social function exactly proportional to their ability as writers. This is their main use.
    Ezra Pound (1885–1972)

    The information links are like nerves that pervade and help to animate the human organism. The sensors and monitors are analogous to the human senses that put us in touch with the world. Data bases correspond to memory; the information processors perform the function of human reasoning and comprehension. Once the postmodern infrastructure is reasonably integrated, it will greatly exceed human intelligence in reach, acuity, capacity, and precision.
    Albert Borgman, U.S. educator, author. Crossing the Postmodern Divide, ch. 4, University of Chicago Press (1992)

    “... The state’s one function is to give.
    The bud must bloom till blowsy blown
    Its petals loosen and are strown;
    And that’s a fate it can’t evade
    Unless ‘twould rather wilt than fade.”
    Robert Frost (1874–1963)