midbrain

American  

[mid-breyn] / ˈmɪdˌbreɪn /

noun

Anatomy.

1. the middle of the three primary divisions of the brain in the embryo of a vertebrate or the part of the adult brain derived from this tissue; mesencephalon.

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midbrain British  

/ ˈmɪdˌbreɪn /

noun

1. the nontechnical name for mesencephalon

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midbrain Scientific  

/ mĭd′brān′ /

1. The middle part of the vertebrate brain. In most animals except mammals, the midbrain processes sensory information. In mammals, it serves primarily to connect the forebrain with the hindbrain.

2. Compare forebrain hindbrain

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Etymology

Origin of midbrain

First recorded in 1870–75; mid- + brain

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

midbrain

A second, higher-resolution projection targets the midbrain with added precision and pinpoints dopaminergic neurons.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2025

This "comprehensive reference map" now serves as a global standard for evaluating how accurately midbrain models match real human biology.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 3, 2025

"We developed an efficient method for stimulating stem cell differentiation to produce neural cells in the midbrain," said Andy Yang, first author on the study and a PhD student at the Donnelly Centre.

From Science Daily ● Apr. 30, 2024

Analyzing the aquatically loquacious may also give us clues about whether midbrain injuries in humans may be linked to a person being mute or uncommunicative, according to Bass.

From Salon ● Jan. 8, 2024

On the front and under surface, the midbrain separates slightly as if to form two pillars, which are called the crura cerebri, or cerebral peduncles.

From Physiology and Hygiene for Secondary Schools by Walters, Francis M.