1. Structure of midbrain:
- Midbrain is the middle part of the brain situated between the forebrain and the hindbrain. It is present between the pons varolii and diencephalon.
- It has two distinct regions : Corpora quadrigemina and crura cerebri.
- Corpora quadrigemina consists of two pairs of lobes, viz., superior colliculi and inferior colliculi. These are located in the thick wall of midbrain.
- Crura cerebri are thick bands of longitudinal nerve fibres, present on the floor of midbrain.
2. Functions of midbrain:
- Inferior colliculi control and coordinate auditory reflexes.
- Superior colliculi control head and eye movements.
- Crura cerebri connect the cerebrum to cerebellum and spinal cord.
