The pretectal area is a group of small nuclei at the junction of the midbrain and thalamus, just in front of the superior colliculi. It receives light information from the retina and controls the pupil reflex.
| Location | Junction of the midbrain and diencephalon, rostral to the superior colliculus near the posterior commissure |
|---|---|
| Parts |
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| Connections |
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| Blood Supply | Posterior cerebral artery; Posterior choroidal arteries |
Drives the pupillary light reflex on both sides and contributes to eye movement control.
Damage here (for example from a pineal tumour in Parinaud syndrome) produces pupils that react poorly to light but constrict for near focus, along with loss of upward gaze.
Dorsal midbrain compression causing upgaze palsy and light-near dissociation of the pupils.
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