Midbrain

Brainstem structure

The mesencephalon or midbrain is a part of the brain stem.[1] It is associated with vision, hearing, motor control, sleep/wake, arousal (alertness), and temperature regulation.[2]

Midbrain
Inferior view midbrain (2), above (3)
Human brainstem midbrain (B)
thalamus (A) pons (C)
medulla oblongata (D)
Details
Identifiers
Latinmesencephalon
MeSHD008636
NeuroNames462
NeuroLex IDbirnlex_1667
TAA14.1.03.005
FMA61993
Anatomical terms of neuroanatomy
Horizontal section through midbrain

In the anatomy of developing animals, the brain forms from the neural tube, which turns into three vesicles. The mesencephalon (midbrain) is the middle vesicle, and becomes part of the brain stem.

The mesencephalon is ancient in origin, meaning its general architecture is shared with the most ancient of vertebrates. Dopamine produced in the substantia nigra plays a role in motivation and habituation of species from humans to insects.

References

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  1. Mosby’s Medical, nursing and allied health dictionary. 4th ed, Mosby-Year Book 1994. p981
  2. Breedlove, Watson, & Rosenzweig 2010. Biological psychology. 6th ed. 45-46