tegmentum

(noun)

The ventral portion of the midbrain, a multisynaptic network of neurons involved in many unconscious homeostatic and reflexive pathways.

Related Terms

Examples of tegmentum in the following topics:

  • Midbrain

    • Anatomically, it comprises the tectum (or corpora quadrigemina), tegmentum, ventricular mesocoelia (or "iter"), and the cerebral peduncles, as well as several nuclei and fasciculi.
    • The tegmentum is involved in many unconscious homeostatic and reflexive pathways, and is the motor center that relays inhibitory signals to the thalamus and basal nuclei to prevent unwanted body movement.
    • The nuclei of cranial nerves III and IV are located in the tegmentum portion of the midbrain.