midbrain

[ mid-breyn ]

noun

, Anatomy.

1. the middle of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue; mesencephalon.

midbrain

/ ˈmɪdˌbreɪn /

noun

1. the nontechnical name for mesencephalon

midbrain

/ mĭd′brān′ /

1. The middle part of the vertebrate brain. In most animals except mammals, the midbrain processes sensory information. In mammals, it serves primarily to connect the forebrain with the hindbrain.
2. Compare forebrain

Word History and Origins

Origin of midbrain¹

First recorded in 1870–75; mid- + brain

Example Sentences

Dopamine then hits in the midbrain, which urges them to approach the crying child.

From Popular-Science

The first dopamine-releasing axons grow from the midbrain to the prefrontal cortex before birth.

From Science News For Students

During the game, an area deep inside the midbrain lights up more brightly in teens than in kids or adults.

From Science News For Students

Yet more than 50 years ago, studies on cats with cortical blindness on one side showed that it is possible to restore some of the lost sight by cutting a connection deep in the cat’s midbrain.

From Nautilus

The midbrain plays an important part in people’s motivation to seek food or friends.

From Science News For Students