Midbrain

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Also called the MESENCEPHALON, the midbrain is the smallest part of the BRAINSTEM. It is sandwiched between the PONS caudally, and the DIENCEPHALON rostrally. Like the pons and MEDULLA, the midbrain is divided into the TECTUM, TEGMENTUM, and most ventrally, CEREBRAL PEDUNCLE.

The tectum in the mid-brain consists of the SUPERIOR COLLICULUS and INFERIOR COLLICULUS, concerned with visuomotor coordination and auditory functions, respectively. The cerebral peduncle consists of fibre tracts arising from the MOTOR CORTEX and other FOREBRAIN structures. In the tegmentum immediately dorsal to the cerebral peduncle lies the SUBSTANTIA NIGRA, which is involved in the regulation of striatal functions (see STRIATUM and NIGROSTRIATAL DOPAMINE SYSTEM). Loss of the pars compacta of substantia nigra is the principal pathological feature of PARKINSON’S DISEASE.

KAZUE SEMBA

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