decussation
Decussation refers to the crossing over of nerve fibers from one side of the body to the other. This process is crucial in the nervous system, as it allows for the integration of sensory and motor information. For example, when a person moves their right hand, the signals originate in the left side of the brain, demonstrating how decussation facilitates coordination between the brain and body.
One well-known example of decussation occurs in the medulla oblongata, where motor pathways cross over. This specific crossing is known as the pyramidal decussation. Such crossings ensure that each hemisphere of the brain controls the opposite side of the body, which is essential for coordinated movement and sensory perception.