midbrain
Between forebrain, hindbrain
The midbrain is the middle section of the brain, connecting the forebrain to the hindbrain.
It processes visual and auditory information and controls eye movement, among other functions.
In casual anatomical discussion, midbrain sometimes loosely refers to central brain structures generally: The tumor was located in the midbrain.
anatomy
Midbrain gray matter region
- aqueduct of SylviusMidbrain cerebrospinal fluid passage
- superior colliculusMidbrain visual processing nucleus
- inferior colliculusMidbrain auditory relay nucleus
function
Shifting of one's gaze
- pupil dilationEye opening widening
- startle responseInvoluntary reaction to surprise
- arousalStirring to heightened state
- motor coordinationControlled, purposeful physical movement
pathology
Neurological disorder causing tremors
research
Adjusting brain cell activity
- neuroimagingVisualizing nervous system structure
- fMRIMagnetic neural activity imaging
- PET scanRadiotracer-based internal imaging
- electrophysiologyBiology's electrical activity science
periaqueductal gray
Midbrain gray matter region
- aqueduct of SylviusMidbrain cerebrospinal fluid passage
- superior colliculusMidbrain visual processing nucleus
- inferior colliculusMidbrain auditory relay nucleus
eye movement
Shifting of one's gaze
- pupil dilationEye opening widening
- startle responseInvoluntary reaction to surprise
- arousalStirring to heightened state
Parkinson's disease
Neurological disorder causing tremors
neuromodulation
Adjusting brain cell activity
- neuroimagingVisualizing nervous system structure
- fMRIMagnetic neural activity imaging
- PET scanRadiotracer-based internal imaging
- brain anatomycerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem, cortex, neurons
- nervous systemneurons, nerves, spinal cord, axon, dendrite
- neuroanatomycerebellum, thalamus, hypothalamus, brainstem, medulla
- brain partscerebellum, hippocampus, brainstem, thalamus, hypothalamus
- brain regionscerebrum, frontal lobe, temporal lobe, parietal lobe, occipital lobe
- brainstembrainstem, medulla, medulla oblongata, pons, fourth ventricle
brain region position
midbrainhindbrain
Rear brain division
forebrain · cerebrum · cerebellum · medulla oblongata · cerebral cortex