The small and compact area between the hypothalamus and the cerebellum is called the midbrain or mesencephalon. The midbrain consists of two spherical parts on the dorsal side and two cylindrical parts on the dorsal side. It consists of three parts. namely-
1. Corpora quadrigemina: The two spherical parts on the surface are called corpora quadrigemina. It is divided transversely to form four segments.
2. Cerebral peduncle: Two cylindrical parts on the lateral side are called cerebral peduncle.
3. Cerebral Aqueduct: The fluid-filled narrow tube in the midbrain is called cerebral aqueduct. It connects the 3rd and 4th ventricles.
Functions of the Mesencephalon
(i) Maintains connections between forebrain and hindbrain.
(ii) It combines visual and auditory information.
(iii) It generates reports.