Midbrain

The midbrain, also called the mesencephalon, is the rostral part of the brain stem. It is found between the forebrain and the hindbrain and it enables the brain to combine sensory information with muscle movement. The midbrain is made up of two sections: the tectum and the cerebral peduncle. The tectum makes up the rear portion of the midbrain and is formed by two paired rounded swellings, the superior and inferior colliculi. The cerebral peduncle consists of a dorsal and ventral part separated by the substantial nigra. The dorsal part is known as the tegmentum, and this is located between the substantial nigra and the tectum and is a major portion of the cerebral peduncle.