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- Glossary
Inferior colliculus
Two posterior elevations of the midbrain roof are referred to as the inferior colliculi. Together with the superior colliculi, they form the midbrain tectum. Impulses from various nuclei of the lower brain stem converge at the inferior colliculi. In addition, signals from the auditory cortex arrive here. This makes the inferior colliculi an important coordination center for auditory information.
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- Glossary
Olivary bodies
The olivary bodies are two oval structures in the lower part of the brain stem that contain clusters of nerve cell bodies. The lower olive connects the cerebrum to the cerebellum and plays an important role in controlling motor function. The upper olive is part of the auditory pathway. Its neurons can evaluate differences in transit time and level between the right and left ears, thus helping to determine the direction of sound sources.
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- Glossary
Ventral tegmental area
Located in the midbrain, the uppermost section of the brain stem, is the ventral tegmental area (VTA) – a central component of the reward system. The area itself is not particularly large, but its influence is immense: the neurons of the VTA send their axons to the nucleus accumbens and widely into the prefrontal cortex (PFC), where they release the neuromodulator dopamine. In this way, they enhance learning processes, but can also contribute to the development of addictions.
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- Glossary
Climbing fiber
Climbing fibers are the axons (long fiber-like extensions of nerve cells) of neurons in the inferior olive nucleus of the brain stem. They extend into the cerebellum and "climb" along the Purkinje cells, with which they form synaptic connections.
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- Glossary
Lewy body dementia
A neurodegenerative disease that resembles Alzheimer's disease, but also Parkinson's disease in its symptoms. The Lewy bodies that give the disease its name are caused by protein deposits in the nerve cells of the cerebral cortex and brain stem, which impair the function of the corresponding neurons. In addition to cognitive impairment, Lewy body dementia often causes hallucinations or depression, as well as changes in mobility similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease.
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- Glossary
Reticular formation
The reticular formation is a network of numerous nuclei in the brain stem. It has a variety of tasks, for example, it is responsible for alertness, the integration of motor, sensory, and vegetative processes, and the sleep-wake cycle.
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- Glossary
Cerebellar peduncles
Three fiber connections on the right and left sides that connect the cerebellum to the brain stem. All afferent and efferent fibers of the cerebellum run through these connections.
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- Glossary
Midbrain
The midbrain is the uppermost section of the brain stem. Its regions are located around the aqueduct, a canal filled with cerebrospinal fluid. Prominent structures include the tectum, tegmentum, and substantia nigra.
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- Glossary
Paraventricular nucleus
A nucleus of the hypothalamus whose neurons produce various hormones, including oxytocin and vasopressin, which are transported to the neurohypophysis. The PVN sends axons to the limbic system, the brain stem, and other hypothalamic nuclei.
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- Glossary
Serotonin
A neurotransmitter that acts as a messenger in the transmission of information between neurons at their synapses. It is primarily produced in the raphe nuclei of the brain stem and plays a key role in sleep and alertness, as well as emotional well-being.
