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The midbrain has a stratified structure comprising various layers including the '''tectum, tegmentum '''and '''cerebral peduncle'''. These structures are found in a dorsoventral sequence. The tectum lies dorsally to the cerebral aqueduct and it has four major rounded surface swellings; colliculi (see below). The tegmentum is the core of the midbrain and a large proportion of it is made up by the [[Sensory Pathways - Anatomy & Physiology#Ascending Reticular Formation (Spinoreticular Tract)|reticular formation]].

The midbrain has a stratified structure comprising various layers including the '''tectum, tegmentum '''and '''cerebral peduncle'''. These structures are found in a dorsoventral sequence. The tectum lies dorsally to the cerebral aqueduct and it has four major rounded surface swellings; colliculi (see below). The tegmentum is the core of the midbrain and a large proportion of it is made up by the [[Sensory Pathways - Anatomy & Physiology#Ascending Reticular Formation (Spinoreticular Tract)|reticular formation]].

 

=====Cranial Nerve Nuclei=====

====Cranial Nerve Nuclei====

The major cranial nerve nuclei within the midbrain are the mesencephalic nuclei of the [[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|trigeminal nerves (V)]], the trochlear nuclei (IV), the principle and parasympathetic oculomotor nuclei [[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|(Cranial Nerve III)]], the 'red nuclei' (so named due to its pronounced vascularity) and the periaqueductal grey nuclei. The periaqueductal grey nucleus is a core of grey nervous tissue located adjacent to the cerebral aqueduct. The oculomotor nerve emerges from the mid brain rostral to the pons.

The major cranial nerve nuclei within the midbrain are the mesencephalic nuclei of the [[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|trigeminal nerves (V)]], the trochlear nuclei (IV), the principle and parasympathetic oculomotor nuclei [[Cranial Nerves - Anatomy & Physiology|(Cranial Nerve III)]], the 'red nuclei' (so named due to its pronounced vascularity) and the periaqueductal grey nuclei. The periaqueductal grey nucleus is a core of grey nervous tissue located adjacent to the cerebral aqueduct. The oculomotor nerve emerges from the mid brain rostral to the pons.

 

=====Cerebral Aqueduct=====

====Cerebral Aqueduct====

Within the lumen of the midbrain lies the cerebral aqueduct, which acts as a simple passage between the spinal cord and the third and fourth ventricles.

Within the lumen of the midbrain lies the cerebral aqueduct, which acts as a simple passage between the spinal cord and the third and fourth ventricles.

 

=====Colliculi=====

====Colliculi====

The tectum (roof) has four colliculi, two rostral and two caudal.  

The tectum (roof) has four colliculi, two rostral and two caudal.  

=====Caudal Colliculi=====

======Caudal Colliculi======

The caudal colliculi are widely spaced and are joined by a substantial commissure. The caudal colliculi act as '''integration centres for auditory pathways'''. The caudal colliculi also have a further connection to the thalamus via the ipsilateral '''medial geniculate body'''. This body is effectively a swelling of the [[thalamus]].  

The caudal colliculi are widely spaced and are joined by a substantial commissure. The caudal colliculi act as '''integration centres for auditory pathways'''. The caudal colliculi also have a further connection to the thalamus via the ipsilateral '''medial geniculate body'''. This body is effectively a swelling of the [[thalamus]].  

=====Rostral Colliculi=====

======Rostral Colliculi======

The rostral colliculi are placed closer together in comparison to the caudal. The rostral colliculi are also joined to the thalamus, but by the '''lateral geniculate bodies''' rather than the medial. The rostral colliculi help to '''integrate the visual pathways''' and also are involved in '''somatic reflexes''' that are caused by visual cues. The rostral colliculi have also been suggested to be involved in spatial integration.

The rostral colliculi are placed closer together in comparison to the caudal. The rostral colliculi are also joined to the thalamus, but by the '''lateral geniculate bodies''' rather than the medial. The rostral colliculi help to '''integrate the visual pathways''' and also are involved in '''somatic reflexes''' that are caused by visual cues. The rostral colliculi have also been suggested to be involved in spatial integration.

====Substantia Nigra====

=====Substantia Nigra=====

The substantia nigra is a prominent area of the mid brain and is identifiable on cross sections by its darker pigmentation. This pigmentation is due to the gradual accumulation of pigmentation of neurons and is associated with basal nuclei within the tissue. The '''substantia nigra''' nuclei are involved in the '''control of voluntary movement'''.

The substantia nigra is a prominent area of the mid brain and is identifiable on cross sections by its darker pigmentation. This pigmentation is due to the gradual accumulation of pigmentation of neurons and is associated with basal nuclei within the tissue. The '''substantia nigra''' nuclei are involved in the '''control of voluntary movement'''.

====Crura Cerebri====

=====Crura Cerebri=====

These are visible on the ventral surface of the mid brain and consist of fibre tracts that are in passage between the telencephalon and the brain stem. The oculomotor nerves (see above) also emerge in this region of the mid brain, directly rostral to the pons.

These are visible on the ventral surface of the mid brain and consist of fibre tracts that are in passage between the telencephalon and the brain stem. The oculomotor nerves (see above) also emerge in this region of the mid brain, directly rostral to the pons.