Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

Diencephalon: Anatomical Regions

The diencephalon, etymologically translated as 'through brain,' plays an integral role as the conduit between the cerebrum and the vast extent of the nervous system. However, the olfactory system is an exception, as it interfaces directly with the cerebrum. The diencephalon, deeply ensconced beneath the cerebrum, primarily consists of three paired structures — the thalamus, hypothalamus, and epithelamus. It also includes accessory structures such as the subthalamus, which houses the subthalamic...

Brainstem

Brainstem

The brainstem, located inferior to the brain and superior to the spinal cord, serves as a bridge between the cerebrum and the spinal cord. It plays a vital role in relaying information and controlling critical life functions. It comprises three primary regions: the midbrain, pons, and medulla oblongata.
The Midbrain
The midbrain is located beneath the diencephalon and connects the cerebrum with the lower parts of the brain. The cerebral peduncles are prominent midbrain structures that house the...

Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination

Diencephalon: Hypothalamus and Coordination

The hypothalamus is a small yet highly complex and essential brain region that plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions. Anatomically, it is located at the base of the brain, just above the brainstem and below the thalamus, forming part of the limbic system.
The hypothalamus interacts with other brain regions, including the pituitary gland, through a direct physical connection called the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. The hypothalamus receives somatic and visceral inputs and...

Indirect Motor Pathways

Indirect Motor Pathways

The indirect motor or extrapyramidal pathways originate in the brainstem, the lower portion of the brain that connects it to the spinal cord. They consist of several distinct tracts, each with specialized functions. The four main tracts of the indirect motor pathways are the vestibulospinal tract, the reticulospinal tract, the tectospinal tract, and the rubrospinal tract.
The vestibulospinal tract originates in the vestibular nuclei of the brainstem. The vestibular system detects changes in...

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

Functional Brain Systems: Limbic System

The limbic system, often called the "emotional brain," is a complex set of structures located deep within the brain. The intricate network of the limbic system supports a wide range of psychological functions, from emotional regulation to memory formation and sensory processing. This functional brain region encompasses specific parts of the diencephalon and the cerebrum, integrating the higher mental functions of the cerebral cortex with the primitive emotional responses of the deep brain...

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

Brainstem: Control Centers of Medulla

The medulla oblongata is a crucial part of the brainstem responsible for controlling various autonomic and involuntary functions. It contains several nuclei, including the olivary, cuneate, gracile, and solitary nuclei.
Olivary Nucleus
The olivary nucleus, or inferior olivary nucleus, is located within the ventrolateral part of the medulla oblongata. It is primarily involved in motor coordination and motor learning. The olivary nucleus receives input from the spinal cord, cerebellum, and motor...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Behavioral, Endocrine, and Neuronal Responses to Odors in Lampreys.

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI·2025

Same author

Cell-type specific sensory and motor activity in the cuneiform nucleus and pedunculopontine nucleus in mice.

Scientific reports·2025

Same author

Balancing central control and sensory feedback produces adaptable and robust locomotor patterns in a spiking, neuromechanical model of the salamander spinal cord.

PLoS computational biology·2025

Same author

Olfactory Projections to Locomotor Control Centers in the Sea Lamprey.

International journal of molecular sciences·2024

Same author

The distribution and chemosensory responses of pharyngeal taste buds in the sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus.

Journal of comparative physiology. A, Neuroethology, sensory, neural, and behavioral physiology·2024

Same author

Dopamine-sensitive neurons in the mesencephalic locomotor region control locomotion initiation, stop, and turns.

Cell reports·2024

Same journal

Precision Nanotechnology in Oral Oncology: From Biomarker-Guided Targeting to AI-Driven Theranostics.

Current pharmaceutical design·2026

Same journal

Pharmacological Insights into Medicinal Plants and Phytomolecules for the Management of Alopecia with Mechanistic Perspectives and Therapeutic Potential.

Current pharmaceutical design·2026

Same journal

Addressing Challenges, Regulatory Shifts, and the Need for Cost-Effective Alternatives for Complex Topical Formulations.

Current pharmaceutical design·2026

Same journal

The Mechanism of Huaiqihuang in the Treatment of Nephrotic Syndrome: An Integrated Study Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, Molecular Dynamics Simulation, and Experimental Validation.

Current pharmaceutical design·2026

Same journal

Resveratrol and the NLRP3 Inflammasome: Unlocking the Anti-inflammatory Potential of a Natural Compound.

Current pharmaceutical design·2026

Same journal

The Use of Hemostatic Agents in Traumatic Bleeding: One Size Does Not Fit All.

Current pharmaceutical design·2026

See all related articles

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 14, 2026

Cerebellar Regional Dissection for Molecular Analysis

Cerebellar Regional Dissection for Molecular Analysis

Published on: December 5, 2020

The multifunctional mesencephalic locomotor region.

Dimitri Ryczko¹, Réjean Dubuc

¹Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Département de physiologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Canada.

Current Pharmaceutical Design

|January 31, 2013

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR) controls walking and running across species. Current research reviews its anatomy and function, aiding Parkinson's disease treatment through deep brain stimulation.

More Related Videos

Microdissection of Mouse Brain into Functionally and Anatomically Different Regions

Microdissection of Mouse Brain into Functionally and Anatomically Different Regions

Published on: February 15, 2021

A Comprehensive Protocol for Manual Segmentation of the Medial Temporal Lobe Structures

A Comprehensive Protocol for Manual Segmentation of the Medial Temporal Lobe Structures

Published on: July 2, 2014

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 14, 2026

Cerebellar Regional Dissection for Molecular Analysis

Cerebellar Regional Dissection for Molecular Analysis

Published on: December 5, 2020

Microdissection of Mouse Brain into Functionally and Anatomically Different Regions

Microdissection of Mouse Brain into Functionally and Anatomically Different Regions

Published on: February 15, 2021

A Comprehensive Protocol for Manual Segmentation of the Medial Temporal Lobe Structures

A Comprehensive Protocol for Manual Segmentation of the Medial Temporal Lobe Structures

Published on: July 2, 2014

Area of Science:

Neuroscience
Comparative Physiology
Motor Control

Background:

The Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR) was discovered in 1966 and controls locomotion in vertebrates.
MLR activity is observed in humans imagining walking, and its stimulation is used for Parkinson's disease.
The precise anatomical boundaries and complex functions of the MLR are still under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To review current knowledge on the anatomical constituents of the MLR.
To elucidate the physiological role of the MLR across species, from lamprey to humans.
To discuss MLR research in the context of clinical applications for Parkinson's disease.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on the Mesencephalic Locomotor Region (MLR).
Comparative analysis of MLR anatomy and function across diverse vertebrate species.
Integration of findings with recent clinical studies on deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease.

Main Results:

The MLR is a conserved locomotor control center across vertebrates.
MLR's anatomical definition remains debated, particularly concerning the pedunculopontine, cuneiform, and subcuneiform nuclei.
Emerging evidence suggests the MLR has multifaceted roles beyond a simple motor pathway relay.

Conclusions:

The MLR is a critical neural structure for locomotion with conserved functions across species.
Further research is needed to precisely define MLR's anatomical components and complex physiological roles.
Understanding the MLR is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies, such as deep brain stimulation, for motor disorders like Parkinson's disease.