Superior colliculus

The superior colliculus is part of the brain that sits below the thalamus and surrounding the pineal gland.

Information from the eyes goes first to the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) and from there to the visual cortex and the superior colliculus.

The superior colliculus receives visual input, the inferior colliculus receives auditory input, and the deeper layers of the colliculus are connected to many sensorimotor areas of the brain. The colliculus as a whole is thought to help orient the head and eyes toward something seen or heard.

See the U. of Wisconsin-Madison neuroanatomy web site for great drawings.