Corona radiata

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1. Corona radiata

Shown in Images 4, 5, 6 and 7, and seen from a different perspective in Image 3, the corona radiata is a large group of white matter fibres conducting information to and from the cerebral cortex. With regard to nerve fibres leaving the cerebral cortex, they begin their journey in the centrum semiovale then travel in the corona radiata on both sides of the brain. From here, fibres funnel down through the left and right internal capsules before entering their respective cerebral peduncle.

Show list

1.
Corona radiata
2.
Remnants of excised structures
3.
Optic radiation (geniculocalcarine tract)
4.
Occipital pole

In this view we see:

The left side of the brain, showing white matter fibres, many radiating outwards from the centre of the brain. Some remaining cerebral cortex is also visible.

This image is a prosection (a brain dissection prepared for learning purposes) with the following removed: the left cerebral cortex and diencephalon, including the left thalamus and left hypothalamus.

Corona Radiata

Location

Shown in Image 3, fibres of the corona radiata, as the name suggests, appear to radiate outwards from the internal capsule towards the cortex. These fibres conduct impulses travelling outwards towards the cerebral cortex, and also inwards from the cerebral cortex to the diencephalon and brainstem.

Structure

The corona radiata consists of white matter projection fibres that are a continuation of the internal capsule (as seen in Images 4, 5, 6 and 7). These projection fibres mingle with other fibres connecting areas of cortex comprising the centrum semiovale.

Different areas of the body are represented in different parts of the cortex, and this is also true of projection fibres making up the corona radiata and internal capsule. For example, the arm is represented in a specific area in the motor cortex, in the corona radiata, and in the internal capsule.

Function

The corona radiata is important for movement and sensation. Corona radiata projection fibres carry efferent motor signals from the cortex to the brainstem, and afferent sensory signals from the brainstem and thalamus to the cortex.

White matter diseases such as multiple sclerosis may damage the corona radiata, contributing to abnormal sensation and difficulty moving.