Brain Regions beginning with M

Glossary of brain regions
mammillary bodies search for term

these structures receive projections from the hippocampus via the fornix, project heavily to the anterior thalamus, and have been implicated in conditions with memory deficiencies, such as Korsakoff's syndrome.

medial prefrontal cortex search for term

part of the prefrontal cortex close to the midline, implicated in social memory -- in particular, self-reflection as well as theory of mind and empathy. The region is also involved when sounds evoke feelings.

mediotemporal lobe search for term

includes the hippocampus, the amygdala, and the entorhinal and perirhinal cortices. Although given this name, the idea that this is an integrated memory system with a common function has recently been questioned. It is observed that the various components evolved at different points. Nevertheless, we may say that the MTL appears to be involved in declarative learning (facts and events), being particularly important during initial learning. There is some evidence that long-term consolidation of memories is guided by the MTL, in particular by the entorhinal cortex (which is damaged in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease). Moreover, a recent study showed that progressive atrophy in the medial temporal lobe was the most significant predictor of cognitive decline in seniors.

mesolimbic region search for term

links the ventral tegmentum in the midbrain to the nucleus accumbens. It is one of the four major pathways for the neurotransmitter dopamine, and is involved in pleasure, reward, and motivation.

midbrain search for term

the brain develops, in utero, in three separate portions, reflecting evolutionary history: the hindbrain, the midbrain, and the forebrain. The midbrain includes the tectum and the tegmentum, which lie on either side of the cerebral aqueduct, a reservoir in the midbrain for cerebrospinal fluid. The midbrain is involved in automatic reflexes associated with the visual and auditory systems, and more recently has been implicated in assessing reward values.

middle frontal gyrus search for term

a gyrus in the middle part of the frontal lobe.