Midbrain

Cards (3)

  • 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