Superior colliculus



![H&E stain of chicken optic tectum at E7 showing the generative zone (GZ), the migrating zone (MZ) and the first neuronal lamina (L1). Scale bar 200 μm. From Caltharp et al., 2007.[4]](/uploads/202502/01/HE_stain_murine_optic_tectum5957.jpg)
The superior colliculus, (Latin, upper hill) is a paired structure of the mammalian midbrain. In other vertebrates the homologous structure is known as the optic tectum or simply tectum. The adjective form tectal is commonly used for mammals as well as other vertebrates.