APA Dictionary of Psychology

either of a pair of rounded prominences (colliculi) in the brain, one of which lies near each cerebral peduncle, rostrally to the inferior colliculus and immediately beneath the pineal gland. The superior colliculus receives fibers from the optic tract and projects fibers to several stations, including the lateral geniculate nucleus and the reticular formation. The superior colliculus gives rise to the tectospinal tract and is involved in orienting movements of the head and eye toward external stimuli. See also blindsight.