Difference between Forebrain, Midbrain, and Hindbrain: Functions & Diagrams
The human brain is divided into forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, each performing distinct structural and functional roles. Understanding these differences is crucial for NEET, Class 11–12 Biology, and medical entrance exams. This guide compares all three regions with diagrams, tables, MCQs, and clinical correlations.
This Story also Contains
- Overview of Human Brain Structure
- What Is the Forebrain? (Structures & Functions)
- What Is the Midbrain? (Mesencephalon Functions)
- What Is the Hindbrain? (Rhombencephalon Overview)
- Structural Differences: Forebrain vs Midbrain vs Hindbrain
- Functional Differences: Forebrain vs Midbrain vs Hindbrain
- Forebrain, Midbrain & Hindbrain NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
- Recommended video for "Difference between Forebrain, Midbrain, and Hindbrain"
Overview of Human Brain Structure
The human brain is seated inside the skull and represents a very complex organ that consists of billions of neurons interconnected using synapses. Its mass is about 1.4 kilograms, and it is protected from mechanical shocks by the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid. Anatomically, it can be divided into three large regions: the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain, each performing specific functions.
What Is the Forebrain? (Structures & Functions)
Forebrain is discussed below:
Major Structures of Forebrain
The forebrain refers to the largest part of the brain and consists of the cerebrum, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
Functions of Forebrain
The cerebrum is divided into left and right hemispheres and is further divided into functional regions responsible for sophisticated cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem-solving, and emotional control.
The thalamus acts as the relay station, whereby all the sensory and motor signals received are filtered and sent towards the proper sections of the cortex.
It is an important regulator of homeostasis, controlling hunger, thirst, sleep, and body temperature, and it regulates, through the pituitary, the endocrine system.
What Is the Midbrain? (Mesencephalon Functions)
Located beneath the forebrain, the midbrain, also known as the mesencephalon, extends from the pons to the diencephalon and is about 2.5 cm long.
Structural Components (Tectum & Tegmentum)
Some of the structures it consists of are tectum and tegmentum, which are relatively involved in reflex actions and the conveyance of sensory and motor information.
Functions of Midbrain
It is concerned with motor movement, more precisely eye movements, and auditory and visual processing.
What Is the Hindbrain? (Rhombencephalon Overview)
The hindbrain consists of the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata. The cerebellum coordinates voluntary movements.
Cerebellum
The cerebellum is also concerned with the maintenance of balance and posture.
Pons
The pons acts as a bridge between the various parts of the brain and is associated with the regulation of sleep and respiration.
Medulla Oblongata
The medulla oblongata regulates all the vital autonomic functions, such as heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.
Structural Differences: Forebrain vs Midbrain vs Hindbrain
The structural differences of forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain is discussed in the table below:
| Brain Region | Anatomical Structure | Key Structural Features |
|---|---|---|
Forebrain | Cerebrum, Thalamus, Hypothalamus | The largest part, divided into left and right hemispheres; includes the limbic system and cerebral cortex |
Midbrain | Tectum, Tegmentum | Located between the forebrain and hindbrain; contains structures involved in sensory and motor pathways |
Hindbrain | Cerebellum, Pons, Medulla Oblongata | Located at the brain's base; includes structures crucial for basic life functions and coordination |
Functional Differences: Forebrain vs Midbrain vs Hindbrain
The functional differences between of forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain is discussed in the table below:
| Brain Region | Primary Function | Key Functional Features |
|---|---|---|
Forebrain | Higher cognitive functions, sensory processing, emotional regulation | Controls reasoning, problem-solving, and voluntary movement |
Midbrain | Motor movement, auditory and visual processing | Involved in reflex actions, eye movements, and sensory information processing |
Hindbrain | Balance, coordination, autonomic functions | Regulates heart rate, breathing, and motor coordination |
Forebrain, Midbrain & Hindbrain NEET MCQs (With Answers & Explanations)
Important questions asked in NEET from this topic are:
Structure of forebrain, midbrain & hindbrain
Forebrain vs Midbrain vs Hindbrain
Practice Questions for NEET
Q1. Which of the following is a part of our brain?
Corpora allata
Corpora adiposa
Corpora cardiaca
Corpora quadrigemina
Correct answer: 4) Corpora quadrigemina
Explanation:
The corpora quadrigemina, located in the dorsal midbrain, consists of four rounded lobes—the superior colliculi, which process visual information and control reflexive eye movements, and the inferior colliculi, which handle auditory processing and reflexes. These structures are crucial for sensory integration, wherein the midbrain, along with the hindbrain (pons and medulla oblongata), forms the brainstem, a vital structure that connects the brain to the spinal cord and regulates essential functions like breathing, heartbeat, and reflex actions.
Hence the correct answer is option 4) Corpora quadrigemina.
Q2. The cerebral aqueduct, which is surrounded by grey matter, separates the
tegmentum from the crus cerebri
tegmentum from the tectum
brainstem and spinal cord.
crus cerebri from the tectum
Correct answer: 4) Regulation of body temperature.
Explanation:
The tectum (dorsal part) and tegmentum (ventral part) are the two divisions of the midbrain that are separated by the grey matter-enclosed cerebral aqueduct. It permits the flow of cerebrospinal fluid between the third ventricle, which is situated in the diencephalon, and the fourth ventricle, which is situated in the hindbrain.
Hence, the correct answer is option 2)tegmentum from the tectum
Q3. The ventral part of midbrain is referred to as the
Cerebral aqueduct,
Tectum
Crus cerebri
Cri cerebro
Correct answer: 3) Crus cerebri
Explanation:
The cerebral hemispheres are connected with the cerebellum with the help of the midbrain which lies between the pons and forebrain. The most dorsal part of the midbrain is called the rectum and the ventral part is referred to as the crus cerebri.
Hence, the correct answer is option 3) Crus cerebri.
Also Read:
Recommended video for "Difference between Forebrain, Midbrain, and Hindbrain"
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Cognitive and reasoning: Any thought process, planning, and making decisions.
Sensory processing: Vision, hearing, touch, taste.
Voluntary motor control: Muscle movements.
Emotional regulation: Emotions and memory.
Autonomic functions: Temperature, hunger, thirst.
Endocrine regulation: Hormone release.
Movement regulation: Coordinates voluntary movements
Eye movements: Controls eye reflexes and movement
Auditory and visual processing: Processes auditory and visual stimuli.
The cerebellum: coordinates balance and fine motor activities
The medulla and pons: regulate automatic functions, such as heartbeats and breathing. They are also helpful in maintaining balance.
Cognitive disorders: Memory loss, thinking and planning difficulties.
Sensory disturbances: Deficits of vision, hearing, touch, and taste
Motor impairment: Deficits in performing voluntary acts.
Emotional disturbances: Mood swings, depression, anxiety
Forebrain: This is the largest consisting of the cerebral cortex, limbic system, thalamus, and hypothalamus.
Midbrain: Situated below the forebrain; it contains the tectum and tegmentum.
Hindbrain: Consists of the cerebellum, pons, and medulla oblongata, which are responsible for the basic life processes, balance, and all the activities associated with it.