Biopsychology Practical Exam 2: Diencephalon [forebrain] & Mesencephalon [Midbrain]

Thalamus

Relay Center of the brain. Visual, auditory, touch and taste sensory information travels here and are then sent to the correct brain regions for processing

Hypothalamus

Controls the autonomic nervous system and organizes behavior related to survival via the pituitary gland

Optic Chiasm

Where optic fibers cross over to opposite side of the brain, sending visual information contralaterally - is the very middle of what looks like an X

Tectum

Comprised of the Superior Colliculus and Inferior Colliculus

Superior Colliculus

2 larger bumps on top that respond to simple sensory and motor aspects of visual stimuli

Inferior Colliculus

2 smaller bumps below the superior colliculi that responds to simple sensory aspects of auditory stimuli

Tegmentum

Cerebral Peduncles - motor system highway that send moto information from the cerebral cortex to the brainstem and spinal cord to help with things like posture and balance