Midbrain - Anatomy & Physiology

From WikiVet English
Jump to navigation Jump to search



()Map NERVOUS AND SPECIAL SENSES (Map)



Introduction

The midbrain or mesencephalon is located between the diencephalon and the pons. It connects higher brain centres with the lower centres and the spinal cord. It’s tectum (roof) has four colliculi, two rostral and two caudal. Cranial nerves III and IV have their nuculi within the midbrain.

Structure and Function

Structures Present Function
Midbrain (Mesencephalon) Colliculi

Occulomotor Nuculi

Colliculi - Processing visual and auditory information.

Occulomotor Nuculi - Eyeball mm., more cranial nerves.

Colliculi

Oculomotor Nuclei



  • The cerebral (mesencephalic) aqueduct is a ventricular tube running through the midbrain which connects the third and fourth ventricles. It contains cerebral spinal fluid which offer it immunological protection.

See immunology.

Species Differences

  • Other than size the brain of most species is fairly consistant.

Links