Midbrain

• Midbrain


  Structure: central part of brain (2.5 cm long), contains neural pathways connecting upper and lower brain areas
• Midbrain - Reticular formation


  Structure: Runs through centre of mid/hind brain (and brain stem) upward to forebrain (as big as middle finger), resembles white netting

  Function: Helps filter incoming information so as not to overload brain, alerts high brain centres to important info, maintains consciousness, regulates arousal (awakening from sleep, muscle tone)
• Damage to the reticular formation

  Could cause disruption to sleep-wake cycle and even result in coma/chronic vegetative state