mesencephalon
/ˌmɛsɛnˈsɛf(ə)lɒn
/ /ˌmiːzɛnˈsɛf(ə)lɒn/ /ˌmɛsɛnˈkɛf(ə)lɒn/ /ˌmiːzɛnˈkɛf(ə)lɒn/noun Anatomy
Another term for midbrain.The latter includes the diencephalon; mesencephalon, or midbrain; pons; and medulla oblongata....
- The neural tube is broad and divides flaccidly into three parts: an anterior prosencephalon, a middle mesencephalon, and a posterior rhombencephalon.
- Continuing in the vocabulary vein, the ‘neuraxis’ is ‘the axial unpaired part of the central nervous system, composed of the spinal cord, rhombencephalon, mesencephalon, and diencephalon.’
Derivatives
mesencephalic
- Two non-sensory control regions were examined, the optic tectum and the mesencephalic tegmentum.
- The root fibers arising from the trochlear nuclei form a decussation dorsal to the mesencephalic aqueduct, and they are the only cranial nerves that cross completely and that leave the dorsal aspect of the brain stem.
- The principal mesencephalic projection to the striatum originates from the substantia nigra pars compacta.
Origin
Mid 19th century: from Greek mesos 'middle' + encephalon.