Pretectum

The pretectum or the pretectal area resides in the dorsal rostral midbrain–diencephalic junction region, rostral to the superior colliculus and closely related to the posterior commissure. The term pretectal literally reflects its position “in front of” the tectum.

The pretectum contains several groups of neuronal cell bodies collectively called the pretectal nuclei. Important components include the olivary pretectal nucleus, nucleus of the optic tract, anterior pretectal nucleus, and medial pretectal nucleus, together with other smaller pretectal nuclei. Many of these nuclei are closely involved in visual processing and visually mediated reflexes.