Tectum of midbrain
Tectum mesencephali
- Latin synonym: Lamina tecti; Lamina quadrigemina
- Synonym: Tectal plate; Quadrigeminal plate
- Related terms: Mesencephalic tectum
Definition
The tectum of midbrain is a region of the brain, specifically the dorsal part of the mesencephalon. This is contrasted with the tegmentum, which refers to the region ventral to the ventricular system. The tectum of midbrain is responsible for auditory and visual reflexes.
It is derived in embryonic development from the alar plate of the neural tube.
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