What is the function of tegmentum brain?

Tegmentum Functions

The midbrain tegmentum is the part of the midbrain behind the cerebral aqueduct that lies between the substantia nigra on its lateral surface and the periaqueductal gray matter around the aqueduct.

The tegmentum contains nuclei associated with numerous cranial nerves as they emerge from the brainstem. Cranial nerve III nuclei are located just rostral to the red nucleus. The fourth cranial nerve nucleus runs caudally through much of the midbrain tectum and makes its exit at the caudal end of the brainstem. Finally, the nuclei for cranial nerves V, VI, and VII can be found within the pons.

The reticular formation is a continuous column of neural tissue that runs through the brainstem from the medulla to the thalamus. The reticular formation is crucial in the process of sleep-wake cycles, visceral regulation, respiratory modulation, and motor coordination.

Dopaminergic neurons located within the substantia nigra are responsible for releasing dopamine throughout much of the brain and play an important role in the neural circuitry underlying movement.

The central gray area of the tegmentum is primarily responsible for processing pain messages from the spinal cord.

The superior and inferior colliculus of the midbrain tectum are involved in auditory and visual processing, respectively.