How Do You Spell TAPETUM FIBROSUM?

1. Tapetum fibrosum refers to a specialized layer of tissue found in certain animals, particularly in the eyes of mammals. This term originated from Latin, where "tapetum" means "carpet" and "fibrosum" means "fibrous." The tapetum fibrosum is located within the choroid, a layer of the eye between the retina and the sclera.

   Functionally, the tapetum fibrosum is responsible for reflecting and amplifying light within the eye. It is made up of a collection of specialized cells that contain reflective pigments, such as guanine crystals, that enhance the visual abilities of these animals in low light conditions. This unique structure allows animals to have much better night vision than humans and improves their ability to detect and track moving objects in dimly lit environments.

   The tapetum fibrosum achieves this function by receiving light that has passed through the retina and reflecting it back onto the photoreceptor cells. As a result, light that was not initially absorbed by the photoreceptor cells gets another opportunity to be detected, increasing the overall sensitivity of the animal's visual system. The reflected light also enhances the contrast and brightness of the images formed on the retina.

   Animals with tapetum fibrosum include nocturnal species like cats, dogs, cows, horses, and many other mammals. The presence of the tapetum fibrosum is often responsible for the characteristic glow or eyeshine observed when light, such as a flashlight or headlights, is directed towards an animal's eyes at night.

2. A layer of wavy connective-tissue fibers in the choroid coat of the eye of grazing animals, giving a metallic hue to the eye.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for TAPETUM FIBROSUM

The word "tapetum fibrosum" is derived from Latin and can be broken down as follows:

1. "Tapetum" comes from the Latin word "tapētum", meaning a carpet or covering. In anatomy, "tapetum" typically refers to a layer or structure that covers or lines a particular area.

2. "Fibrosum" is derived from the Latin word "fibra", which means fiber. In this context, "fibrosum" pertains to fibrous tissue.

When combined, "tapetum fibrosum" refers to a fibrous sheet or layer. This term is often used in reference to anatomical structures such as the tapetum fibrosum of the eye, which is a reflective layer behind the retina in some animals.