midbrain

• A rostral part of the brainstem that, if impaired in its core (i.e. the tegmentum), results in the loss of consciousness or coma, because it contains the rostral end of the reticular formation.

• The dorsal or posterior part has the superior colliculus, which is important for visual system reflexes, and the inferior colliculus, which is important for auditory system function.

• The ventral or anterior part has the cerebral peduncle, which is a huge bundle of axons traveling from the cerebral cortex into/ through the brainstem; those fibers are important for voluntary motor function.

• Two other structures in the depth of the midbrain that are important for normal motor function are the red nucleus (not visible) and the substantia nigra.

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Parinaud Syndrome

Weber Syndrome