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tegmentum

anatomy
Also known as: pontine tegmentum

Quick Summary

The tegmentum is a part of the midbrain, located in front of the tectum. It is composed of fiber tracts and three distinct regions: the red nucleus, the periaqueductal gray, and the substantia nigra. The red nucleus is involved in coordinating sensorimotor information. The periaqueductal gray plays a role in pain suppression, and the substantia nigra, a pigmented cluster of neurons, synthesizes dopamine and is crucial for mediating movement and motor coordination. The tegmentum also contains parts of the reticular formation, which is involved in arousal and alertness. The term "tegmentum" itself derives from the Latin word for "covering".12

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  1. tegmentum
  2. midbrain

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