Overview
The brainstem is a vital structure located at the base of the brain, connecting it to the spinal cord. It plays a key role in regulating essential life functions such as breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure. Additionally, the brainstem is responsible for reflex actions and serves as the origin ...
Key Terms
Example: The brainstem controls automatic functions like breathing.
Example: The vagus nerve is a cranial nerve that affects heart rate.
Example: The knee-jerk reflex is a common example.
Example: Breathing is an autonomic function.
Example: The medulla oblongata regulates heart rate.
Example: The pons helps regulate sleep.
Related Topics
Key Concepts
autonomic functionsreflex actionscranial nervessleep regulation