The smallest section of the brainstem located between the pons and diencephalon, containing centers for visual and auditory reflexes, eye movement control, and dopamine production.
From Middle English, literally meaning 'middle brain,' a straightforward anatomical term describing its position in the middle of the brainstem between the hindbrain and forebrain structures.
Your midbrain contains the substantia nigra, a dark-pigmented region that produces dopamine - the same area that degenerates in Parkinson's disease, causing the characteristic tremors and movement problems. It's also home to your startle reflex center, which is why you automatically duck when something flies toward your head before you even consciously see it!
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