The Anatomy of the Brain

The Midbrain

The midbrain is the smallest region of the brain that acts as a sort of relay station for auditory and visual information.

The midbrain controls many important functions such as the visual and auditory systems as well as eye movement. Portions of the midbrain called the red nucleus and the substantia nigra are involved in the control of body movement. The darkly pigmented substantia nigra contains a large number of dopamine-producing neurons are located. The degeneration of neurons in the substantia nigra is associated with Parkinson’s disease.

Next: The Cerebellum

• Introduction to the Brain - The Cerebral Cortex
• The Four Lobes
• The Brain Stem
• The Midbrain
• The Cerebellum
• The Thalamus
• The Hypothalamus
• The Limbic System
• The Basal Ganglia