Mesopontine tegmentum

General Information
Latin	tegmentum mesopontinum
Greek
TA98
TA2
FMA
Details
System	Central nervous system
Artery	Basilar artery
Vein
Nerve
Lymphatic drainage
Precursor
Function
Identifiers
Clinical significance
Notes

The mesopontine tegmentum is a region of the brainstem that plays a crucial role in various neurological functions. It is located at the junction of the midbrain (mesencephalon) and the pons, hence the name "mesopontine." This area is involved in the regulation of arousal, sleep, and motor control.

Anatomy

The mesopontine tegmentum is part of the larger tegmentum, which is a general area within the brainstem. It includes several important nuclei and tracts, such as the pedunculopontine nucleus and the locus coeruleus. These structures are involved in the modulation of sensory and motor pathways, as well as the regulation of autonomic functions.

Function

The mesopontine tegmentum is integral to the reticular activating system (RAS), which is responsible for maintaining wakefulness and alertness. It also plays a role in the control of movement through its connections with the basal ganglia and the cerebellum.

Arousal and Sleep

The mesopontine tegmentum contains cholinergic neurons that are active during wakefulness and REM sleep. These neurons project to the thalamus and cortex, facilitating cortical activation and consciousness.

Motor Control

Through its connections with the basal ganglia and the cerebellum, the mesopontine tegmentum influences motor coordination and posture. It is involved in the initiation and modulation of voluntary movements.

Clinical Significance

Damage to the mesopontine tegmentum can result in various neurological disorders. Lesions in this area may lead to coma, sleep disorders, or movement disorders such as Parkinson's disease.

See Also

• Brainstem
• Midbrain
• Pons
• Reticular formation

References

• ,

 The Role of the Mesopontine Tegmentum in Arousal and Motor Control, 
 Neuroscience Journal, 
 2020,
 Vol. 45(Issue: 3),
 pp. 123-130,
 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroj.2020.01.001,

• M.,

 Neuroanatomy: An Illustrated Colour Text, 
  
 Elsevier, 
 2018, 
  
  
 ISBN 978-0702074621,

External Links

• Brainstem on WikiMD
• Midbrain on WikiMD